Acromegaly Acromegaly is a rare disease unfamiliar to many. It results from the body producing an abnormal excess of growth hormone, gradually changing the hands, feet, and facial structure. Symptoms usually develop slowly, so patients may not notice them.
Thairath Online Introducing Acromegaly, Acromegaly, explaining its causes, how to recognize symptoms, and treatment options, since untreated cases may increase risk of serious complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Acromegaly is a rare chronic disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone, leading to abnormal enlargement of certain bones and tissues, especially in the hands, feet, and face. It typically occurs in adults whose bones have stopped lengthwise growth.
According toa research study on Acromegaly,published in the medical journal International Journal of General Medicine in 2013, approximately 40 to 130 adults per million population have acromegaly. It affects both men and women. Symptoms usually develop gradually, so patients may not notice abnormalities for years before diagnosis. Acromegaly
Acromegaly usually results from a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain responsible for producing and regulating many important hormones.
The tumor produces excessive growth hormone, which stimulates increased production of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), causing continuous abnormal growth of bones and tissues.
If the tumor grows larger, it may press on nearby optic nerves, causing headaches or vision problems.
Acromegaly is characterized by gradual physical changes over several years. A 2013 review article in the International Journal of General Medicine cites previous studies reporting the frequency of symptoms in patients as follows:
Abnormal enlargement of hands and feet,
thickening of fingers, rings becoming tight, or needing larger shoe sizes.
Changes in face and jaw,
including prominent brow ridges, protruding jaw, enlarged nose and lips, and widening gaps between teeth.
Excessive sweating,
patients may sweat more than usual even without exercise or heat exposure.
Joint pain,
due to abnormalities in bones, cartilage, and tissues around joints.
Headaches,
possibly caused by the pituitary tumor or related mechanisms.
Symptoms of decreased sex hormone function,
such as irregular menstruation in women or reduced libido.
Vision problems,
especially when the tumor compresses optic nerves.
Fatigue,
feeling more tired or weak than usual.
Weight gain,
which may accompany tissue and metabolic changes.
In addition to physical changes, some patients may experience sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, which can delay diagnosis since these symptoms are common in other diseases.
If you notice continuous unexplained enlargement of hands, feet, or facial features, consult an endocrinologist. They may order blood tests for IGF-1 levels, growth hormone response tests after glucose intake, and MRI scans to detect pituitary abnormalities as needed.
Acromegaly can be treated and controlled. Some patients may achieve remission after treatment. Outcomes depend on tumor size and location, hormone levels, and individual response to therapy.
The main treatment methods include:
Tumor surgery, which is the primary treatment for many patients to reduce excessive growth hormone production.
Medications, which decrease hormone secretion or block hormone effects.
Radiation therapy, used in some patients when surgery and medication are insufficient to control the disease.
Nevertheless, Acromegaly is rare, but early observation of body changes, especially gradual enlargement of hands, feet, and facial features, is crucial. If suspicious abnormalities appear, seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.