
Acromegaly is a chronic condition, which develops when there is an increase in the level of the growth hormone. The following article provides information about the various symptoms and treatment options available for this condition.
Human growth hormone (hGH) is secreted by the pituitary gland, which is situated at the base of the brain. Growth of a benign (noncancerous) tumor on the pituitary gland causes overproduction of the hGH, which in turn results in acromegaly. It is a rare and slow developing condition affecting 1 in every 20,000 people. The condition can be cured, if it diagnosed early. But, as the symptoms are difficult to diagnose or are mistaken as signs of aging, the treatment is often delayed. It can result in serious consequences, and can even lead to premature death.
Symptoms
The condition proceeds slowly and is hard to diagnose, and one tends to miss the early signs and symptoms. People fail to notice the changes in physical appearance and the disease remains hidden for several years. Men and women, both are equally prone to this condition; middle-aged adults are more susceptible to this condition. In children, this abnormality is referred to as gigantism.
The symptoms depend on various factors like the age of the affected person, size of the tumor, its location, and the rate at which it grows. Symptoms can be of two types, one due to the presence of the tumor in the brain, and the other due to the excessive secretion of the GH. The condition affects the physical appearance, as well as the health of the affected person.
Change in Physical Appearance
- Enlarged facial features
- Swollen hands and feet
- Coarse or oily skin
- Enlarged tongue
- Skin tags
- Unexplained weight gain
- Bone overgrowth
- Excessive hair growth on the body
- Swollen bones around joints
- Enlarged sebaceous glands
These are some of the signs and symptoms associated with an individual’s physical appearance. These symptoms appear gradually and often go unnoticed.
Other Common Symptoms
- Muscle fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
- Body odor
- Husky voice
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Enlarged kidneys, liver, and other organs
- Enlarged sinuses
- Snoring
- Menstrual problems in women
- Impotence
These are some of the common symptoms of acromegaly, which are often mistaken as symptoms of other diseases.
Serious Symptoms
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Colon polyps
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Respiratory problems
- Goiter
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Sleep apnea
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment
People with this condition are more prone to develop the aforementioned symptoms, though these may not be observed in everyone. Also, the condition can be treated successfully, if it is diagnosed early. The most common treatment is surgical removal of the tumor, and it is recommended in most cases as it is a rapid and effective treatment. However, it may not work in certain cases where the size of the tumor is large. In such cases, medical therapy is recommended, which helps in reducing the size of the tumor. Radiation therapy is also an effective option for treatment, in case the medication is not effective.
Early diagnosis is necessary for the effective treatment of this condition. Proper care and monitoring is also required during the process. After the treatment, the person needs to see his/her health care provider regularly, to make sure that the pituitary gland is working properly.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.