Acromegaly FAQs (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is acromegaly?
- What is a hormone?
- What causes acromegaly?
- What is the pituitary gland?
- How does a tumor in the pituitary gland cause abnormal growth elsewhere?
- How common is acromegaly?
- How do I know if I have acromegaly?
- What are other symptoms of acromegaly?
- Why does acromegaly cause vision loss and headache?
- What is gigantism?
- What are the complications of acromegaly?
- Is acromegaly a fatal disease?
- How is acromegaly diagnosed?
- What treatments are available for acromegaly?
- Other questions about acromegaly
- Where Can I Go For More Information?
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
What is gigantism?
Gigantism is the name used for acromegaly in children. Because children’s bones are still growing, more of their bones are affected by the disease. The “long bones” of their arms and legs are particularly likely to grow more than usual. Children with acromegaly often grow very tall.
Next: What are the complications of acromegaly? »
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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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