Acromegaly
It is a rare disease caused by a benign tumor (pituitary adenoma) of the pituitary gland that secretes growth hormone. There may be a familial transmission. It occurs equally in men and women. It occurs in childhood and if left untreated, gigantism may occur.
What are the symptoms?
Before puberty:
- Giant
After puberty:
- Coarse facial features,
- Forward growth / elongation of the nose and chin,
- spacing of teeth,
- Inability of the jaw to close normally,
- language growth,
- snoring, sleep apnea,
- Enlargement of hands and feet (small rings, enlarged shoe size),
- Sweating,
- Trap neuropathies (nerve compression),
- Calcifications in the spine,
- Hypertension,
- diabetes,
- Heart disease.