Acromegaly Learning Center

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Welcome

Acromegaly is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by the presence of too much growth hormone. It results in gradual enlargement of body tissues including the bones of the face, jaw, hands, feet, and skull.

Basic Info

Symptoms
Enlarged hands; Enlarged feet; Widened fingers or toes due to skin overgrowth with swelling, redness, and pain; Enlarge...
Causes
Acromegaly occurs in about 6 of every 100,000 adults. It is caused by abnormal production of growth hormone after norma...
Tests
The level of growth hormone is high; The level of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is high; A spine X-ray shows abn...
Treatments
Microsurgery to remove the pituitary tumor causing this condition corrects the abnormal growth hormone secretion in mos...
Drugs
  • bromocriptine
  • cabergoline
  • lanreotide
Risk Factors
  • Past History of a Pituitary Tumor
Complications
hypopituitarism (too little secretion of other pituitary hormones; high blood pressure; glucose intolerance or diabetes...
Prevention
No measures exist to prevent the initial condition, but early treatment may prevent any worsening of complications asso...
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider if symptoms of acromegaly are present or if symptoms do not improve with treatment.

Basic Info

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