Acromegaly:
It is a rare disorder of the pituitary glands most likely caused due to a tumor, pituitary adenoma, or due to excessive production of the growth hormone. These are generally not malignant and are benign. This condition is characterized by extraordinary organ and bone growth. The excessive growth can be in the forehead, jaw, nose, ears, lips, hands, and feet. It can also cause thickening of the skin. Signs of this disease include deepening of the voice, soft tissue swelling, soft tissue swelling of internal organs, hyperpigmentation, enlargement of the tongue, protrusion of the brow, and pronounced spacing of the teeth. Symptoms include severe headache, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, impaired vision, heavy sweating, and tingling sensation in the feet. Since symptoms take a long time to develop into full blown acromegaly, it is diagnosed by using certain tests like IGF-1 test (insulin-like growth factor), pituitary hormone tests, OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test), and MRI of the brain. Treatment often depends upon the age of the patient and the location of the tumor. Moreover, the objective of the treatment is to reduce/regulate the secretion of the hormones that cause excessive growth. In some cases, surgery or radiation therapy is advised.
