acromegaly
Excess hormone enlargement
Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder caused by excessive growth hormone, typically from a pituitary tumor.
It produces gradual enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features in adults.
When the same excess occurs before growth plates close, it causes gigantism instead.
The condition develops slowly and often goes undiagnosed for years.
Brain-base hormone gland
- growth hormonePituitary signal for development
- adenomaBenign epithelial tumor
- hypothalamusSubthalamic regulatory brain region
- ghrelinAppetite-stimulating stomach peptide
endocrinology · hormonal imbalance · hyperplasia · feedback loop · secretion
Increase in size
- sleep apneaDisorder of interrupted breathing
- joint painAche at skeletal junctures
- headacheCranial pain
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
sweating · insulin resistance · carpal tunnel · barrel chest
Seldom found or seen
- prevalenceState of being widespread
- incidenceRate of occurrence
- underdiagnosedNot identified enough
- delayed diagnosisMedical conclusion reached late
Ionizing beams treating malignancies
pituitary
Brain-base hormone gland
- growth hormonePituitary signal for development
- adenomaBenign epithelial tumor
- hypothalamusSubthalamic regulatory brain region
ghrelin · endocrinology · hormonal imbalance · hyperplasia · feedback loop · secretion
enlargement
Increase in size
- sleep apneaDisorder of interrupted breathing
- joint painAche at skeletal junctures
- headacheCranial pain
fatigue · sweating · insulin resistance · carpal tunnel · barrel chest
rare
Seldom found or seen
- prevalenceState of being widespread
- incidenceRate of occurrence
- underdiagnosedNot identified enough
MRI
Magnetic body imaging
- screeningEvaluative selection process
radiation therapy
Ionizing beams treating malignancies