Acromegaly

What is it?

Acromegaly is a rare condition that affects the body's growth hormones. There is a small gland in the brain, about the size of a pea, that is in charge of making certain hormones that your body needs to function normally.

Acromegaly occurs when this gland produces too much growth hormone. This excess hormone causes certain bones and tissue in your body to grow larger over time. The most common areas affected are the hands, feet, and face. Acromegaly usually develops slowly, and the symptoms may not be noticeable at first.

People who are most likely diagnosed with acromegaly are usually between the ages of 30 to 50, however you can be diagnosed at any age. When acromegaly is found in young people under 13 to 14 years old, it may be called gigantism.

How to know if you have it

If you or someone you know is experiencing unusual growth in certain body parts, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is very important to see a doctor because if you have acromegaly and aren't being treated for it, it can cause other more serious health conditions.

The doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also order blood tests. One specific test, called an IGF-1 test, will be able to read the levels of growth hormone in your body. Another blood test, called a growth hormone suppression test, is the most accurate test to diagnose acromegaly. This test is done by testing the growth hormone level in your blood before and after drinking a sugary drink. The way your growth hormone levels respond to the drink will help the medical team confirm acromegaly.

In some cases, imaging tests, like an MRI or CT scan, may be needed to look at the pituitary gland to see if it looks different than what it is normally expected to look like.

Next steps

While there is no cure for acromegaly, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms and prevent further troubles as you get older. The main treatment option is usually surgery to remove whatever is causing the pituitary gland to make excess growth hormone. This is usually an abnormal mass on the pituitary gland.

If the medical team are unable to operate or if they were not able to get the full mass, medication may be prescribed to help lower the levels of growth hormone in the body. There are a few different types of medication, and your medical team may recommend you take more than one.

• Octreotide, lanreotide or pasireotide - monthly injectable drugs that tell the pituitary gland to make less growth hormone

• Pegvisomant - daily injectable drugs that block the effect of growth hormone (GH) in the tissue in the body. These drugs don't shrink the tumor on the pituitary gland.

• Bromocriptine or cabergoline - oral drugs (pills) that lower levels of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 in the blood as well as reduce tumor (mass) size

Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to monitor the condition and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

Can I avoid getting this?

Acromegaly is not a preventable condition as it is usually caused by a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chance of being diagnosed with acromegaly. There is a rare genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1). People with this genetic condition are more likely to be dianosed with acromegaly.

However, early detection and treatment can help prevent the symptoms from worsening and reduce the risk of complications. It is important to maintain regular visits to your healthcare provider and report any unusual changes in your body. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also contribute to overall well-being.