A tumor within the pituitary gland that produces growth hormone causes Acromegaly. If this condition occurs before growth has stopped, gigantism occurs. After growth has stopped, certain bones, including the head, jaw, hands and feet become enlarged. Other tissues, such as the tongue may change size. Occasionally, acromegaly is part of a inherited syndrome in which multiple tumors occur in various glands of the body.
Causes of Acromegaly
The cause of acromegaly, as well as gigantism, is an excess of growth hormone. This hormone is normally produced from cells within the pituitary gland. When a tumor develops from these cells, an excess of the hormone is produced.
Signs and Symptoms of Acromegaly
Acromegaly occurs in adults. The symptoms develop slowly over many years. Prominence and enlargement of the forehead and jaw occur. The shoe size and glove size increase, as the bones of the hands and feet thicken and enlarge. The tongue becomes larger. Tingling of the hands and feet may occur. Increased sweating is seen. As the tumor within the pituitary enlarges, headaches may occur, and the optic nerves may become compressed. This can lead to varying degrees of visual loss.
Other indirect effects of increased growth hormone include diabetes and heart disease.
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