INFO FOUND:
Generally, prolactinomas need to be relatively large, classified as macroadenomas (larger than 1 cm) or even giant prolactinomas (larger than 4 cm), to potentially impact the medial temporal lobe.
Here's why and how:
Location Matters: Pituitary prolactinomas are located at the base of the brain near several important structures, including the optic nerves, the optic chiasm, and the cavernous sinuses. The medial temporal lobe is a brain region located nearby.
Compression and Invasion: As a prolactinoma grows larger, particularly macroadenomas and giant prolactinomas, it can expand and exert pressure on or even invade nearby structures.
Medial Temporal Lobe Impact: If the tumor grows significantly upward and outward, it can compress or invade the medial temporal lobe, potentially leading to symptoms such as seizures. In rare cases, invasive pituitary tumors may result in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Other Symptoms: It's important to remember that prolactinomas can cause a variety of symptoms besides seizures, including:
Visual problems: Headaches, loss of peripheral vision, or double vision due to pressure on the optic chiasm.
Hormonal imbalances: Changes in menstrual periods, decreased sexual drive, or infertility.
Headaches, nausea, vomiting, or other signs of increased intracranial pressure.
In summary, while smaller prolactinomas (microadenomas) usually cause symptoms related to high prolactin levels, larger tumors (macroadenomas and giant prolactinomas) are more likely to cause symptoms due to compression of surrounding brain structures, including the medial temporal lobe.