Gigantism (acromegaly) Disease Information

Gigantism, also referred to as acromegaly, is a rare medical disorder that leads to an abnormal enlargement of the bones, mainly in the hands, feet, and face. It is caused by an abundance of growth hormone in the body, usually as a result of a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. Those with gigantism generally experience an increase in height, with some reaching heights of more than 8 feet. Other typical symptoms include an expanded jaw, nose, and forehead, thickening of the skin, and increased body hair. Gigantism is mainly identified in adults, but can also be seen in children, known as juvenile gigantism. Treatment for gigantism usually involves medications to reduce the production of growth hormone, and surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used as well. Gigantism can be a hard condition to live with, as it can lead to physical and emotional difficulties. People with gigantism may experience social exclusion due to their unusual looks, as well as physical discomfort due to their large size. Despite these struggles, many people with gigantism go on to live full and successful lives.

1. Pituitary gigantism: This is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, which causes it to produce excessive amounts of growth hormone.
2. Familial gigantism: This is caused by genetic mutations that lead to excessive production of growth hormone.
3. Sotos syndrome: This is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to excessive production of growth hormone.
4. Carney complex: This is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to excessive production of growth hormone.
5. McCune-Albright syndrome: This is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to excessive production of growth hormone.
6. Acromegaly: This is caused by excess growth hormone due to a tumor on the pituitary gland.
7. Weill-Marchesani syndrome: This is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to excessive production of growth hormone.

1. Enlarged hands, feet, and facial features
2. Coarse facial features
3. Excessive sweating
4. Headaches
5. Fatigue
6. Vision problems
7. High blood pressure
8. Joint pain and stiffness
9. Enlarged organs
10. Abnormal menstrual cycle in women
11. Enlarged tongue
12. Carpal tunnel syndrome
13. Abnormal growth of bones and organs
14. Abnormal glucose tolerance
15. Abnormal cholesterol levels
16. Skin tags
17. Deepening of the voice
18. Excessive hair growth
19. Abnormal body proportions
20. Increased appetite

1. Physical exam: A physical exam may uncover physical signs of acromegaly, such as enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.
2. Blood tests: Blood tests may be employed to gauge levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). High levels of these hormones may point to acromegaly.
3. Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may be utilized to search for tumors on the pituitary gland.
4. Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be utilized to identify genetic mutations that can cause acromegaly.
5. Endocrine function tests: Endocrine function tests may be employed to measure hormone levels in the body and evaluate how the body is responding to treatment for acromegaly.

Gigantism (acromegaly) is a result of too much growth hormone (GH) being produced. This is usually caused by a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland. Other conditions that lead to an overproduction of GH from the pituitary gland can also cause it.

Gigantism (acromegaly) is typically treated with a combination of drugs, surgery, and/or radiation. Medication: Medications such as somatostatin analogs and dopamine agonists can help reduce the production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Surgery: Surgery is employed to remove the tumor causing the overproduction of growth hormone. This is usually done through transsphenoidal surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small incision in the skull to access the pituitary gland. Radiation: Radiation therapy is sometimes used to shrink the tumor and lower the amount of growth hormone being produced. In some cases, a mixture of these treatments may be used to successfully treat gigantism.

1. Obey your physician's instructions: If you have been diagnosed with gigantism or acromegaly, it is essential to obey your doctor's instructions and take the recommended medications. These medicines are created to aid in keeping your growth hormone levels in balance.
2. Exercise frequently: Exercising can help to reduce symptoms of acromegaly, such as weariness and joint pain. It can also assist in decreasing the chance of developing other medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
3. Eat a nutritious diet: Eating a nutritious diet can help to reduce symptoms of acromegaly. Eating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help to reduce inflammation and enhance overall health.
4. Obtain sufficient sleep: Obtaining enough sleep is essential for everyone, but it is particularly important for people with acromegaly. Getting enough sleep can help to reduce fatigue and improve overall health.
5. Stay active: Remaining active can help to reduce symptoms of acromegaly, such as weariness and joint pain. It can also help to improve overall health and decrease the risk of developing other medical conditions.
6. Find support: Obtaining support from family, friends, and other people with acromegaly can help to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing. There are also many online support groups available for people with acromegaly.