Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood. This excess hormone causes bones and tissues to grow larger than normal, particularly in the hands, feet, and face.
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Acromegaly is most often caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland called an adenoma.
Symptoms of acromegaly can include enlarged hands and feet, facial changes such as protruding jaw or forehead, joint pain, and thickened skin.
Left untreated, acromegaly can lead to severe health complications like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
Diagnosis typically involves measuring levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the blood after an oral glucose tolerance test.
Treatment options for acromegaly may include surgery to remove the tumor, medication to reduce GH production or block its effects, and radiation therapy.
Review Questions
What is the primary cause of acromegaly?
List three common symptoms associated with acromegaly.
What are two potential complications if acromegaly is left untreated?
A small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain responsible for producing various hormones including growth hormone.
Growth Hormone (GH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration.
Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I): A hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin that plays an important role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adults.