Acromegaly

A hormonal disorder ‘Acromegaly’ occurs when the pituitary gland produces growth hormone (GH) levels in excess. This condition can be treated in most individual patients, however because it is slow, often times it isn’t diagnosed properly. The term Acromegaly is derived from Greek words “Enlargement” and “Extremities”, reflecting one of its most common symptoms – the abnormal growth of both feet and hands. One of the earliest signs of Acromegaly is when a person experiences hand and feet swelling, where a noticeable change in shoe size or ring develops.

Facial features are typically altered by the body changes during a gradual process. Spacing of the teeth may increase, nasal bone may become enlarged, etc. If the growth hormone producing tumors progress during childhood years, the disease is known as gigantism as opposed to acromegaly. Growth plate fusion of long bones develops post puberty, therefore the progression of excessive growth hormone production in adult individuals does not result in a height increase.

There is some good news though: Acromegaly can be treated, and is not a common disorder. It is estimated by researchers that 3 out of 1,000,000 individuals develop acromegaly every single year, and 40-60 out of every one million patients can suffer from this condition. Treatment options are available however with either surgery or prescription drugs like Sandostatin (Octreotide) and Parlodel (Bromocriptine).

Source: hghnews.us

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