Patient's question:
Patient Gender: My recent breast examination with manual compression can secrete milk, which is light yellow. After undergoing mammography, there is a suspicion of a pituitary issue, but this possibility is unlikely. There is also a suspicion of a breast-related problem. I would like to consult about the best treatment options if it is a pituitary issue, and if it is a breast issue.Doctor's answer:
Hello: The pituitary gland is an important endocrine organ containing several types of endocrine cells that secrete various endocrine hormones. If a specific endocrine cell develops an adenoma, it can lead to special clinical manifestations. The detailed information is described as follows:1. Endocrine manifestations of different types of pituitary adenomas
(1) Growth hormone cell adenoma: In the early stages, the tumor is only a few millimeters in size and primarily manifests as excessive secretion of growth hormone. In children, it can cause accelerated growth, even leading to gigantism. In adults, it results in acromegaly, characterized by facial changes, enlarged foreheads, prominent jawlines, large noses, thick lips, thickened fingers, and a sensation of tightness when wearing shoes or hats, requiring frequent upgrades or even custom-made items. Some patients may also experience increased appetite, rough hair and skin, hyperpigmentation, and numbness in the fingers. Severe cases may lead to generalized fatigue, headaches, joint pain, decreased sexual function, amenorrhea, infertility, and even diabetes.
(2) Prolactin cell adenoma: The main manifestations include amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and infertility. Severe cases may cause loss of axillary hair, pale and delicate skin, increased subcutaneous fat, as well as fatigue, easy exhaustion, drowsiness, headaches, and decreased sexual function. In males, it may manifest as decreased libido, impotence, breast hyperplasia, sparse facial hair, and in severe cases, atrophy of the genital organs, reduced sperm count, and infertility. Male-to-female transformation is relatively rare.
(3) Adrenocorticotropic hormone cell adenoma: Clinical manifestations include central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, erythema, and increased vellus hair on the abdomen and thighs. Severe cases may lead to amenorrhea, decreased libido, and generalized fatigue.