Acromegaly

Acromegaly is an adult condition, and it could lead to serious complications, although it’s rare.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly occurs when there are high levels of growth hormone in the body. This causes parts of the body to become bigger over years.

Causes of acromegaly

• Acromegaly occurs due to the elevated levels of growth hormone in the body, mostly due to a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, which is responsible for making growth hormone and other hormones.

Symptoms of acromegaly

• Thickening of the lips, tongue, and nose.
• A prominent jaw or brow.
• Gaps between teeth.
• Enlarged hands and feet.
• A rib cage might expand and cause the chest to look round.
• Swelling of the tissue under the skin.
• Oily and thickened skin.
• Increased sweating.
• Vision problems.
• Deeper voice.
• Joint pain.
• Headaches.
• Fatigue.

Complications of acromegaly

• Hypertension.
• Increased risk of narrowed arteries, which could cause heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiomyopathy.
• Polyps (growths) on the lining of the colon.
• Increased risk of certain cancers.
• Irregular periods.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Osteoarthritis.
• A goiter (irregular growth of the thyroid gland).
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Sleep apnea.
• Spinal cord compression or fractures.
• Vision loss.

Diagnosis of acromegaly

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of acromegaly

• Removing the tumor with surgery.
• Radiation therapy for the tumor when surgery can’t be applied.
• Medicines.