Acromegaly is a rare condition in adults that causes some bones, organs and other tissue to grow bigger. A small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland drives these changes by making too much growth hormone. This usually happens due to a tumor of the pituitary gland. The tumor isn't cancer.
When the body has too much growth hormone, bones get bigger. In childhood, this leads to increased height as part of a condition called gigantism. In adults with acromegaly, a change in height doesn't happen. Instead, bones in the hands, feet and face become bigger.
These changes happen slowly over many years. So people with acromegaly and their loved ones may take a long time to notice the symptoms. And healthcare professionals may have a hard time finding and treating the condition early on.
Without treatment, acromegaly can lead to other serious and sometimes life-threatening health conditions called complications. But treatments such as surgery, medicine and radiation can lower the risk of complications. Treatment also can improve many acromegaly symptoms.
Symptoms
Acromegaly symptoms can change the way some body parts look. Changes can include:
Thick ears and lips.
A broad nose.
Enlarged hands and feet.
A jutting brow or jaw.
Gaps between teeth.
An enlarged tongue.
An expanded rib cage that may cause the chest to have a round shape.
Skin changes can include:
Acne.
Harmless skin growths called skin tags.
Coarse, oily and thickened skin.
Swelling in the tissue under the skin.
Most often, people with acromegaly don't have every possible body change. And because the changes come on slowly, they may take years to notice. But over time, rings may no longer fit fingers like they used to. Or shoe size may get bigger. Sometimes, people notice the changes only by comparing old photos with newer ones.
Other acromegaly symptoms can include:
Vision troubles, including loss of side vision.
More sweating and body odor than is typical.
Extreme tiredness.
Headaches.
Joint pain.
Deeper voice.
When to see a doctor
Get a healthcare checkup if you think you have symptoms of acromegaly. The condition usually develops slowly. Even family members may take a long time to notice the physical changes that happen. But it's important for a healthcare professional to find the condition as early as possible. Treatment can help prevent serious health conditions that can happen along with acromegaly.
Treatment
Medication
When surgery is not an option or does not entirely normalize hormone levels, several medications may be used:
Somatostatin Analogs: Drugs like octreotide and lanreotide mimic somatostatin, inhibiting growth hormone release effectively in about 60% of patients.
Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonists: Pegvisomant counters growth hormone effects, decreasing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which are linked to many acromegaly complications.
Dopamine Agonists: Bromocriptine and cabergoline can be beneficial in certain cases, particularly for tumors that secrete growth hormone.
Radiation Therapy
For patients not suitable for surgery or those with remaining high hormone levels post-surgery, radiation therapy offers an alternative. This prolongs the tumor's shrinkage process while helping to control growth hormone levels.
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