What is Acromegaly?

A pituitary tumor secretes excess Growth Hormone (GH) in adults. Since the growth plates are closed, you don't get taller. Instead, bones thicken and soft tissues swell.

Classic Signs (develop slowly over years):

• Enlarged Hands & Feet: Ring and shoe size increase.
• Facial Changes: Protruding jaw (prognathism), enlarged nose, prominent brow.
• Thick, Oily Skin & Skin Tags.
• Deep Voice.
• Arthritis (joints enlarge and hurt).

Serious Complications:

• Heart Disease: Cardiomyopathy (enlarged, weakened heart).
• Diabetes & High Blood Pressure.
• Sleep Apnea.
• Colon Polyps (increased cancer risk).

Why is it often diagnosed late?

Changes are gradual. People often notice only when comparing old photos.

Diagnosis:

• IGF-1 Level: Screening test (elevated).
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): GH should drop after drinking glucose; in acromegaly, it doesn't.
• MRI: Locates the pituitary tumor.

Treatment:

• Surgery: First-line. Transsphenoidal resection.
• Medications: Somatostatin analogs (Octreotide, Lanreotide), GH receptor blocker (Pegvisomant).
• Radiation: For persistent disease after surgery.