Acromegaly is a rare hormonal condition in adults that causes some bones, organs and other tissues to grow bigger. A small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland drives these changes by making too much growth hormone (GH). High GH levels increase another hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This usually happens due to a noncancerous, also called benign, pituitary tumor.
When the body has too much growth hormone, bones get bigger. In childhood, this leads to increased height as part of a condition called gigantism. In adults with acromegaly, a change in height doesn’t happen. Instead, bones in the hands, feet and face become bigger. Other changes may include joint pain, thickened skin, and facial changes such as a bigger jaw or nose.
These changes happen slowly over many years. So people with acromegaly and their loved ones may not notice the symptoms right away. It may take a long time to see changes. And healthcare professionals may have a hard time finding and treating the condition early on.
Acromegaly is a rare hormonal condition. Fewer than 15 people per 100,000 are living with acromegaly. Each year, about 3 to 5 people out of every million people are diagnosed with acromegaly. Because the condition develops slowly and diagnosis is often delayed, the true number of cases may be a little higher.
Without treatment, acromegaly can lead to other serious and sometimes life-threatening complications. But treatments such as surgery, medicine and radiation can lower the risk of complications and improve many acromegaly symptoms. With treatment, many people with acromegaly can live a healthy life with a life expectancy close to that of people without acromegaly.
« Back to dictionary
