Gigantism is a rare disease in which the body produces excess growth hormone, usually due to the presence of a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, called pituitary adenoma, which results in the growth of larger-than-normal organs and parts of the body.
When the disease occurs from birth, it is known as gigantism, however, if the disease occurs in adulthood, usually around age 30 or 50, it is called acromegaly.
- In both cases.
- The disease is caused by a change in the pituitary gland.
- The location of the brain that produces growth hormone.
- And therefore treatment is performed to reduce hormone production.
- Which can be performed by surgery.
- Using drugs or radiation.
- For example.
Adults with acromegaly or children with gigantism usually have larger-than-normal hands, feet, and lips, as well as coerfied facial features. In addition, an excess of growth hormone can also cause:
In addition, because a benign pituitary gland tumor may produce excess growth hormone, other symptoms such as regular headaches, vision problems, or decreased sex drive may also occur, for example.
Complications that this change can cause to the patient include
Because of the risk of these complications, it is important to see your doctor if you suspect this disease or changes in growth.
In case of suspected gigantism, a blood test should be performed to evaluate levels of IGF-1, a protein that increases when growth hormone levels are also above normal, indicating acromegaly or gigantism.
After the test, especially for the adult, a CT scan may be requested, for example, to identify if there is a tumor in the pituitary gland that could affect its function; In some cases, your doctor may order the measurement of growth hormone levels.
Treatment of gigantism varies depending on the cause of excess growth hormone. Then, if there is a tumor in the pituitary gland, it is generally recommended to have surgery to remove the tumor and restore the correct production of hormones.
However, if there is no reason to change the functioning of the pituitary gland or if surgery does not work, your doctor may only indicate the use of radiation or medications, such as somatostatin analogues or dopamine agonists, for example, that should be used. to keep hormone levels under control.