What is Acromegaly?
Acromegaly (pronounced a-krow-meh-guh-lee) is a rare but serious condition that happens when body produces too much growth hormone (GH).
This hormone is made by a small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland.
In acromegaly, a tumor on this gland or rarely tumor of another part of the body ( such as tumor of luñg and pancreas ) produces excessive GH.
Growth hormone helps children grow, but in adults, it keeps bones, muscles, and organs healthy.
If an adult has too much GH, their bones and organs grow in an unusual way, which can cause health problems.
Difference Between Acromegaly and Gigantism
Acromegaly happens in adults, while gigantism happens in children. If a child has too much GH before they finish growing, they become much taller than normal.
If an adult has too much GH, they don’t grow taller, but their bones and organs change shape and get bigger.
Acromegaly can happen to adults of any age but is usually diagnosed in middle age.
It is very rare, affecting only 3 to 14 out of every 100,000 people.
What Causes Acromegaly?
The most common cause is a tumor in the pituitary gland, called a pituitary adenoma. This tumor is usually not cancerous, but it makes the gland release too much GH. If the tumor is large, it can press on the brain and cause headaches or vision problems.
Symptoms of Acromegaly
Bigger hands, feet
Changes in face shape (bigger jaw, nose, lips, ear)
Sweating more than usual
Deep voice
Joint pain and headaches
Vision problems
Sleep problems (like sleep apnea)
These symptoms develop slowly over many years, so people may not notice them at first.
Acromegaly patients may suffer from high blood pressure, high blood sugar and heart disease.
How Is Acromegaly Diagnosed?
Because symptoms appear slowly, acromegaly can be hard to diagnose. A doctor called an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist) can check for acromegaly using:
Blood tests
MRI scans to check for a tumor
Other tests to check for heart problems, diabetes, or bone issues
Treatment of Acromegaly
There are three main treatments:
Surgery – The most common treatment. A surgeon removes the tumor, often through the nose. If the whole tumor is removed, no further treatment may be needed.
Medication – If surgery cannot remove all of the tumor, or if surgery is not possible, medicines help lower GH levels. Some people need to take these for life.
Radiation Therapy – If surgery and medication don’t fully control GH levels, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor.
Can Acromegaly Be Cured?
Sometimes. If a small tumor is completely removed by surgery, the person may be cured. However, if the tumor is large, surgery may not remove it all, and medication will be needed to manage the condition.
Prevention of Acromegaly
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes pituitary tumors, but genetics may play a role. Therefore prevention of acromegaly is not possible.
What Happens if Acromegaly Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, acromegaly can cause serious health problems, including:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Arthritis
Growths in the colon (which could turn into cancer)
Organ failure
What Is the Outlook (Prognosis) for People with Acromegaly?
With treatment, most people feel much better and have fewer symptoms. However, untreated acromegaly can lead to serious health problems and reduce life expectancy.
That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if you notice any symptoms.
Support groups and medical care can help people live well with acromegaly.
