Acromegaly or Gigantism

Acromegaly and gigantism are rare hormonal disorders caused by excessive production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. While both conditions lead to abnormal growth, they differ in when they occur:

• Gigantism: Develops in children and adolescents before the growth plates close, leading to excessive height and proportional body growth.
• Acromegaly: Occurs in adults after growth plates have closed, causing abnormal enlargement of bones and tissues, particularly in the hands, feet, and face.

Causes of Acromegaly

The most common cause of both disorders is a benign pituitary tumor (adenoma) that overproduces growth hormone. Other rare causes include:

• Genetic conditions such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1)
• Excessive production of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) from non-pituitary tumors

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on whether the condition occurs before or after puberty.

Gigantism (Children & Adolescents):

• Rapid and excessive height increase
• Large hands and feet
• Delayed puberty
• Facial changes, including a prominent jaw and forehead
• Increased sweating and fatigue

Acromegaly (Adults):

• Enlarged hands, feet, and facial features
• Thickened skin and deepened voice
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Headaches and vision problems due to tumor pressure
• Organ enlargement (heart, liver, kidneys)
• Increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure

Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach

At Precision Care: Endocrinology & Diabetes, we use advanced diagnostic techniques to confirm acromegaly, including:

• Blood tests: To measure growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): To check for abnormal GH suppression
• MRI scans: To detect pituitary tumors
• Vision tests: To assess tumor impact on optic nerves

Why Choose Us?

At Precision Care: Endocrinology & Diabetes, we provide:

• An expert endocrinologist specializing in growth hormone disorders
• State-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations
• Individualised care plans for long-term health management
• A compassionate, patient-focused approach

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of acromegaly or gigantism, contact us today for a consultation. Early detection and management can prevent complications and improve quality of life.