“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone over a long period of time, usually years. This results in the excessive growth of bones and soft tissues, especially in the hands, feet, face, and internal organs.
The most common cause of acromegaly is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, known as a pituitary adenoma. The tumor produces excess growth hormone, which stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leading to the growth of bones and tissues.
Symptoms of acromegaly usually develop slowly over time and can include:
Treatment for acromegaly usually involves removing the pituitary tumor through surgery, radiation therapy, and/or medication. The goal of treatment is to reduce the excess growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, improve symptoms, and prevent complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to serious complications, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of acromegaly.