Understanding Acromegaly: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Acromegaly, a rare disorder causing excessive growth in various tissues and organs, affects an estimated 50 to 70 people out of every million. However, the actual number may be higher due to slow symptom development that can go unnoticed. This condition equally impacts males and females.
Causes of Acromegaly
The root cause of acromegaly lies in the pituitary gland, a small structure in the brain responsible for hormone production. Overproduction of growth hormone over an extended period leads to this disorder. Typically, a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland triggers excessive growth hormone production. In rare cases, tumors in other brain areas or organs like the lungs or pancreas can also induce the disease. Certain genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and Carney complex, elevate the risk of hormone-producing gland tumors.
Symptoms of Acromegaly
Symptoms typically emerge post-puberty, mostly between ages 40 and 50. The disease manifests through bone enlargement, notably in the hands, face, and feet. Facial features like an enlarged nose, tongue, jaw, and lips are common. Patients may experience increased body hair and skin thickness, joint pain, excessive sweating, headaches, vision loss, and irregular menstruation. Without treatment, acromegaly can lead to health complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease, reducing life expectancy by around 10 years.
Distinguishing Acromegaly from Gigantism
Often confused with gigantism, acromegaly differs as it occurs in adulthood, while gigantism starts during childhood. Gigantism results from excessive growth hormone production, causing abnormal growth.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies based on tumor size, location, symptom severity, age, and overall health. Surgery and radiation therapy can remove or shrink tumors, while medications help regulate growth hormone levels or its effects on tissues. In some cases, acromegaly is curable through tumor removal surgery, with success rates ranging from 40% to 85%. Medications can manage symptoms but do not offer a cure.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and not medical advice.
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About the Author
Emily, a health news writer in London, UK, holds degrees in biology and neuroscience. With experience in science communication, medical writing, and journalism, she was recognized as one of MHP Communications’ 30 journalists to watch under 30 in 2018. Contact Emily at emily.cooke@futurenet.com.
