What class of tumor is a prolactinoma classified as?

A prolactinoma is classified as a pituitary adenoma. This type of tumor arises from the pituitary gland and is specifically characterized by excessive production of the hormone prolactin. Pituitary adenomas can be functioning, meaning they produce hormones in excess, or non-functioning. Prolactinomas are among the most common functioning types of pituitary adenomas.

These tumors can lead to various clinical manifestations, including galactorrhea (the production of breast milk not associated with childbirth), amenorrhea, and infertility in women, as well as sexual dysfunction in men. The diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies like MRI, and measurement of serum prolactin levels, which are significantly elevated in the presence of a prolactinoma.

Other types of tumors listed, such as neuroblastomas and meningiomas, originate from different tissues and have distinct characteristics. Neuroblastomas are malignant tumors that arise from neural crest cells and are primarily found in children, while meningiomas originate from the meninges, the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord, often being benign. Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine tumors typically found in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. They also possess unique features that