What is the preferred treatment for a prolactinoma?

The preferred treatment for prolactinoma, a type of pituitary tumor that secretes prolactin, is cabergoline. Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that effectively reduces prolactin levels and tumor size.

Dopamine plays a crucial role in suppressing prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. Medications like cabergoline and bromocriptine leverage this mechanism. However, cabergoline is often favored due to its dosing schedule (twice a week) and side effect profile, which makes it more convenient and better tolerated compared to bromocriptine.

Bromocriptine is also a recognized treatment option and can be effective, but it is typically considered second-line due to the additional side effects and dosing frequency requirements that can make it less appealing for long-term management.

Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor used primarily in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and does not play a role in managing prolactinomas. Sertraline, an SSRI, is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders and is unrelated to the treatment of prolactinomas.

Overall, cabergoline's efficacy and improved tolerability make it the preferred option in managing prolactin