Endocrinology and Endocrine System

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder, develops too much growth hormone by pituitary gland during adulthood. It can develop at any age but mostly affects in the middle-aged adults. Gigantism is a condition occurs in children who are growing. Physical changes occur gradually; this condition may take a long time to recognize. Children with gigantism have exaggerated bone growth and an abnormal increase in height. In adults, bones increase in size, including forehead, jaw, nose, hands, feet and face. Diagnosis can be measured by growth hormone after a person has drunk a glucose solution or by measuring insulin-like growth factor in the blood. Treatment may include removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and injection of growth hormone blocking drugs. If it is not treated properly, can lead to serious illness and may even become life-threatening. Complications may include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.

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