Acromegaly Details

Expanded Description

Acromegaly is a rare disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH) after epiphyseal plate closure. A number of disorders may be affecting the pituitary to create this circumstance, although most commonly it involves a GH producing tumor derived from a distinct type of cells (somatotrophs) and called pituitary adenoma.

Acromegaly most commonly affects adults in their early twenties, and can result in severe disfigurement, serious complicating conditions, and premature death if unchecked. Because of its insidious pathogenesis and slow progression, the disease is hard to diagnose in the early stages and is frequently missed for many years, when changes in external features, especially of the face, become noticeable.

Acromegaly most commonly affects adults in middle age and is often also associated with gigantism.

Prevalence

5.0 ( Per 100,000 Population ) [Source]

Causes

Acromegaly is generally associated with high hGH secretion.

Disorder Symptoms

There are several symptoms that affect patients with Acromegaly.

Protuding forhead, large thick hands, larger than normal nose, spacing of frontal teeth,

Sometimes severe headaches and loss of vision are the first indicators of the disease

Name	Description
hGH secretion	hGH secretion
Soft tissue swelling	Soft tissue swelling
Generalized expansion of the skull	Generalized expansion of the skull
Pronounced brow protrusion	Pronounced brow protrusion
Pronounced lower jaw protrusion	Pronounced lower jaw protrusion

Diagnosis

Acromegaly most commonly affects adults in middle age.

Diagnostic Tests

No diagnostic test information has been added yet.

We don't have any tests yet.

Disorder Treatments

Daily regimen of injections to offset the effects of growth hormones.

Gamme knife radiation treatment to blast the pituitary tumor.

We don't have any treatments yet.

Prognosis

No prognosis information has been added yet

Tips for Living with the Disorder

We don't have any tips yet.