Acromegaly FAQsMedical Author:
Kathryn L Hale, MS, PA-C
Coauthor:
Hasnain M Khandwala, MD, FRCPC
Medical Editor:
Arthur B Chausmer, MD, PhD, FACP, FACE, FACN, CNS
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
George T Griffing, MD
What is acromegaly?Acromegaly is a serious condition that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormones that control growth. This causes abnormal enlargement of bone, cartilage, muscle, organs, and other tissues. This abnormal growth can cause serious disease and even premature death. Viewer Comments & ReviewsAcromegaly FAQs - DiagnosisThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How was your, or your child's, acromegaly diagnosed? |
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Acromegaly FAQs
What Is Acromegaly?
Acromegaly is a growth disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a hormone-producing organ at the base of the brain, behind the eyes, and at the middle of the brain between the ears. Children cannot grow to normal height if they do not have enough GH, but too much causes prepubertal children to develop giantism, a condition in which the entire body or any of its parts grow too large. In adults, too much GH causes acromegaly, a disorder in which parts of the body, especially the head, face, hands, and feet, gradually get bigger. GH affects growth by stimulating the formation of other hormones. These hormones are mostly made by the liver in response to GH stimulation and are called somatomedins (somatotropin-mediating hormones or insulinlike growth factors).
What Causes Acromegaly?
In 95% of cases, excess growth hormone (GH) is caused by tumors on the pituitar...
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Acromegaly »
Increased and unregulated growth hormone (GH) production, usually caused by a GH-secreting pituitary tumor (somatotroph tumor), characterizes acromegaly.
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