Prolactin cell adenoma can live for up to a few years

The survival of patients with prolactinoma is closely related to the nature of the tumor, treatment response, and control of complications. Most patients can achieve a life expectancy similar to that of the general population through standardized treatment. Prolactin secreting cell adenoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, which grows slowly and rarely undergoes malignant transformation. For patients diagnosed early and receiving drug treatment, if standardized use of bromocriptine tablets or cabergoline tablets is used to inhibit prolactin secretion, combined with regular imaging examinations, the tumor volume can significantly shrink or even disappear. These patients usually do not affect their natural lifespan, and their quality of life is not significantly different from that of healthy individuals. Some patients may experience local compression symptoms such as headache and decreased vision, but after minimally invasive surgery to remove the tumor through the nasal sphenoid sinus, the symptoms can be effectively relieved. If the tumor volume is too large and invades surrounding tissues or is accompanied by pituitary dysfunction, it may increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, through hormone replacement therapy and management of complications, a longer survival period can still be maintained. A very small number of invasive pituitary tumors may be resistant to drugs and surgery, requiring comprehensive treatment such as radiotherapy. Such situations may affect survival, but the clinical incidence is extremely low.

It is recommended that patients have a follow-up pituitary MRI and hormone levels every 3-6 months to avoid pituitary stroke caused by intense exercise. Daily monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar, maintaining a balanced diet and regular sleep patterns can help maintain endocrine stability. Seek medical attention immediately when there is a sudden drop in vision or severe headache.