Definition and cause
Acromegaly is a rare condition, caused by overproduction of growth hormone frompituitary. The high levels of growth hormone in the blood makes certain bones, especially those in the face, hands and feet, grows out of the ordinary. Soft tissues as tongue, lips and ears magnified too. Large quantities of growth hormone can also affectpancreasproduction of insulin, and an approx. fourth with acromegaly has alsodiabetesat the time of diagnosis.The condition occurs most frequently in the 30-50 age where the rest of the skeleton has ceased to grow, and therefore will face, hands and feet appear significantly large compared to the rest of the body. If the condition occurs in children age, called thegiant ismorhuge growth.Acromegaly caused mostly a growth hormone-producingtumor in the pituitary.
Symptoms of acromegaly
The symptoms evolve very slowly, and there could go 6-8 years before the condition is detected. Sometimes the condition is detected by comparing old photos with new and notes a difference. The following symptoms may be present:Change in facial shape, for example. magnification of jaw party.
Hands and feet become wider and longer, resulting in larger glove or shoe size.
Tongue magnified.
The voice becomes deeper.
Citation and muscle pain.
Snoring and sleep disorders.
Increased sweating.
Complications of acromegaly
A growing hypofysetumor can hit the optic nerve, and there may be effects on vision, usually in the form of tunnelsyn (perceived as looking through a tube from a roll of paper towels). There can also be seen symptoms ofdiabetesorenlargement of the heart.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to suspect acromegaly when symptoms develop very slowly. If suspicions arise, your doctor may perform blood tests, which measure the level of growth hormone in the blood.
AMRIof the head can be created to map the spread of hypofysetumoren. Eye Studies done to see whether there is the influence of optic nerve.Treatment of acromegaly
Small tumors can be removed by surgery, but with 40% tumor would be too large to remove in its entirety. This will complement the medical treatment with drugs that blocks the action of growth hormone. In rare cases, radioactive radiation directly to the tumor out of the question.Select and complications
Untreated disease will continue to evolve and lead to premature death primarily due tocardiovascular disease. There is an increased risk ofcancer of the colon.The course depends on the efficacy of treatment, but usually prevented debilitating or life-threatening complications, such as. back problems ormyocardial infarction,from developing. The soft tissues as heavy, lips and ears can once again become smaller, but bone size is not changed by reading. Through the rest of their lives made regular measurements of blood hormone content in order to ensure the disease does not break out again.
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