General Information About Acromegaly
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition of abnormal transverse growth of tissues and bones due to excessively high levels of growth hormone in the blood during adulthood, when the longitudinal growth of bones has stopped.
In almost all cases, the cause is a benign adenoma (tumor) that develops in the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain and secretes extra growth hormone.
The most prominent findings are rings and shoes starting to feel too tight (enlargement of hands/feet), protrusion of the jaw and forehead, thickening of the nose/lips, deepening of the voice, and excessive sweating.
If the condition of excessive growth hormone secretion starts before puberty (before the bone growth plates close), the height increases excessively, and this is called Gigantism. In adults, since the height cannot increase, Acromegaly occurs.
It begins with the detection of elevated growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 levels in the blood. A Pituitary MRI is performed to confirm the diagnosis and locate the tumor.
The primary treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor by neurosurgery, accessing it through the nose (transsphenoidal). In cases unsuitable for surgery, medical treatments that lower hormone levels and radiotherapy are applied.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
