Acromegaly is a rare disorder in which excessive growth hormone is produced (usually due to a benign tumour) in the pituitary gland. In children (who are not yet fully grown) this causes gigantism; in adults, overgrowth of the extremities (including hands, feet, nose, jaw and cheekbones) and organs is observed.
There may be complaints such as headache, sweating, general fatigue, joint pain and swelling of soft tissues for years before this.
If you suspect this, please contact your GP. Bring the results of any examinations with you to the endocrinology consultation. You are not required to fast. An additional blood test, sugar test or OGTT (to confirm the abnormality) and/or other tests (to determine the cause and consequences of excessive growth hormone production) may also be performed, e.g. Pituitary NMR, heart ultrasound, colonoscopy, etc. After the diagnosis, we will determine the further policy together with you and the other doctors (including neurologist, ophthalmologist, GP and possibly neurosurgeon).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
