Overview
A somatomammotropinoma is a rare, usually benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. This tumor produces too much of two hormones: growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL). Growth hormone controls how the body grows, while prolactin is involved in breast milk production and affects reproductive function. Because the tumor overproduces both hormones at the same time, patients can experience symptoms related to excess of each. When growth hormone levels are too high in adults, it leads to a condition called acromegaly, which causes gradual enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features, along with joint pain, excessive sweating, and fatigue. In children or adolescents who are still growing, excess growth hormone can cause gigantism, meaning unusually rapid and tall growth. At the same time, high prolactin levels can cause irregular or absent menstrual periods in women, breast milk production unrelated to pregnancy, decreased sex drive, and fertility problems in both men and women. The tumor itself can also cause problems by pressing on nearby structures in the brain, leading to headaches and vision changes, especially loss of peripheral (side) vision. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, medications, and sometimes radiation therapy. The goal is to remove or shrink the tumor, bring hormone levels back to normal, and relieve pressure on surrounding brain tissue. With proper treatment, many patients can achieve good control of their symptoms and hormone levels.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Enlargement of hands and feetChanges in facial features such as a larger jaw or browHeadachesLoss of side vision (peripheral vision loss)Irregular or absent menstrual periodsUnexpected breast milk productionDecreased sex driveFertility problemsExcessive sweatingJoint pain and stiffnessFatigue and low energyWeight gainThickening of the skinSleep apnea or snoringErectile dysfunction in men
Clinical phenotype terms (50)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Somatomammotropinoma.
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Specialists
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Somatomammotropinoma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the size of my tumor, and is it pressing on any important structures?,Is surgery recommended in my case, and what are the chances it will cure the condition?,What medications will I need, and what are their side effects?,How often will I need blood tests and MRI scans for monitoring?,Could this tumor be part of a genetic syndrome, and should my family members be tested?,What are the long-term health risks I should watch for, even after treatment?,Will this condition affect my ability to have children, and are there options to preserve fertility?
Common questions about Somatomammotropinoma
What is Somatomammotropinoma?
A somatomammotropinoma is a rare, usually benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. This tumor produces too much of two hormones: growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL). Growth hormone controls how the body grows, while prolactin is involved in breast milk production and affects reproductive function. Because the tumor overproduces both hormones at the same time, patients can experience symptoms related to excess of each. When growth hormone levels are too high in adults, it leads to a condition called acromegaly, which causes gradua
How is Somatomammotropinoma inherited?
Somatomammotropinoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Somatomammotropinoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Somatomammotropinoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.