Acromegaly is a chronic disease, caused by an injury to the pituitary gland, which consists of an increase in the size of the bones. It is a hormonal disorder that appears when the pituitary gland generates too many growth hormones during adulthood. This causes the bones to increase in size. This disease can occur at any age, although it is more common in adults. In children it can lead to another disease, gigantism, which causes an increase in bone size and height of the patient. It is a disease that needs to be identified and treated quickly to avoid serious complications.
Causes of acromegaly
Excessive hormone production
The exaggerated creation of growth hormone, a process carried out by the pituitary gland, is the cause of acromegaly. The hormone comes into contact with the blood and, as a reaction, the liver produces insulin-like growth factor, which encourages the growth of bones and other tissues. The excess production of growth hormones causes an abnormal increase in the soft tissues and skeleton, which causes some parts of the body such as the hands, face or nose to grow.
The most common cause of the massive creation of growth hormone is the presence of a tumor. The development of acromegaly, if not treated in time, can lead to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease as a result of an increase in the size of the heart, hypertension, diabetes or osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of acromegaly
Bigger hands and feet
Acromegaly often manifests itself through an increase in the size of the hands and feet. It also causes a progressive change in the face, with a larger nose, thick lips and a larger jaw than normal. Despite these changes, sometimes it takes years for the patient to detect the disease, even if they have experienced quite obvious symptoms.
– Hands and feet that increase in size
– Nose, jaw, forehead and lips create and give the face a different look than usual
– Rough skin
– Warts
– Fatigue
– Headache
– General malaise
– Decreased sexual desire
Diagnosis of acromegaly
Get growth hormone levels
After the relevant physical examination, the doctor will order tests to check growth hormone levels and an MRI to confirm the possible existence of a tumor (which in many cases is usually benign).
Acromegaly treatment and medication
Surgery and medications
The treatment for acromegaly can be surgery or simple medication. The goal is to reduce the production of growth hormone. A surgical operation can be used to remove all tumors and, in this way, return growth hormone production to normal levels. Treatment may include medications such as somatostatin, dopamine agonists, or growth hormone antagonists. Finally, radiation therapy may also be used if surgery has not eliminated all tumor cells.
Prevention of acromegaly
Avoid complications
Acromegaly is a disease that we cannot prevent. Treatment is necessary to ensure that the disease does not worsen and lead to a more serious condition. It is very important to detect the disease at its beginning to avoid complications that can cause death.
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