An Overview of Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a disease characterized by increased production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. It causes excessive growth of the bones of the hands, feet and face. It generally affects middle-aged adults. If acromegaly develops in childhood, before the growth plates have closed, it causes gigantism. These children have exaggerated bone growth and increased height.
Because acromegaly is rare and the physical changes develop slowly, it can sometimes take a long time for the condition to be recognized. If treatment is delayed, it can lead to serious illnesses and may even become life-threatening.
Symptoms of Acromegaly
The most common sign of acromegaly is enlargement of the bones of the hands and feet. Over time, people notice that their shoe size is increasing quickly and that a ring they used to wear no longer fits their finger.
It can cause gradual changes in the shape of the face, such as a protruding lower jaw, an enlarged nose, thickened lips and gaps forming between the teeth.
Sometimes people notice the condition when comparing old and new photographs.
- Enlarged hands and feet
- Coarse facial features
- Oily, thickened skin and small skin tags
- Excessive sweating and body odor
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Deepening of the voice
- Snoring
- Vision problems
- Headache
- Joint pain and limited joint movement
- Enlarged tongue
- Enlargement of internal organs such as the heart
- Reduced sex drive
- Menstrual irregularities in women
When Should I See a Doctor?
If you have several of the symptoms above, you should suspect acromegaly and be sure to see an endocrinologist.
Acromegaly usually develops slowly. Even your family members may not notice the physical changes it causes. With early diagnosis and treatment, the serious complications of acromegaly can be prevented.
Causes of Acromegaly
The most common cause of acromegaly is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland that leads to excess growth hormone. Some symptoms, such as headache and vision problems, are caused by the tumor pressing on nearby brain tissue.
Complications of Acromegaly
- High blood pressure (hypertension),
- Cardiovascular disease, particularly enlargement of the heart (cardiomyopathy),
- Osteoarthritis,
- Diabetes,
- Goiter,
- Colon polyps,
- Sleep apnea – a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep,
- Spinal cord compression, spinal stenosis,
- Carpal tunnel syndrome,
- Vision loss.
Early treatment of acromegaly can prevent these complications from developing or getting worse. If left untreated, acromegaly and its complications can lead to premature death.
Diagnosis of Acromegaly
The diagnosis is made by measuring growth hormone levels in the blood and imaging the pituitary gland.
Treatment and Follow-up of Acromegaly
Surgery is usually the first-choice treatment for acromegaly. Radiation therapy or medication may be needed after surgery.
After treatment for acromegaly, regular monitoring will be recommended to make sure the pituitary gland is working properly. This also allows complications that may develop after the operation to be detected early. Follow-up may continue for the rest of your life.