Acromegaly Symptoms

Human growth hormones are secreted by the pituitary gland, which is situated in the bone cavity called the 'sella turcica' at the base of the brain. Growth of a benign tumor on the pituitary gland causes overproduction of the human growth hormone resulting in acromegaly. It is a rare and slow developing disease. Acromegaly is curable if diagnosed early, by surgical removal of the tumor. But as the symptoms are difficult to diagnose or are mistaken as signs of aging, the treatment is often delayed resulting in serious consequences, and can even lead to premature death.

Signs and Symptoms of Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a disease which proceeds slowly, and is hard to diagnose as one tends to miss the early signs and symptoms. People fail to notice the changes in physical appearance and the disease remains hidden for several years. Men and women, both are equally prone to acromegaly and it can occur at any age, though middle-aged adults are more prone to this disease. In children the abnormality is referred to as gigantism.The symptoms depend on various factors like the age of the affected person, size of the tumor, its location and the rate at which it grows. Symptoms can be of two types, one due to the presence of the tumor in the brain, and the other due to excessive secretion of the growth hormone. Acromegaly affects physical appearance as well as the health of the victim.

Change in Physical Appearance

• Enlarged facial features
• Swollen hands and feet
• Coarse or oily skin
• Enlarged tongue
• Skin tags
• Unexplained weight gain
• Bone overgrowth
• Excessive hair growth on the body
• Swollen bones around joints
• Enlarged sebaceous glands

These were the signs and symptoms associated with an individual's physical appearance. These symptoms occur gradually and often go unnoticed.

Other Common Symptoms

• Muscle fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Excessive sweating
• Body odor
• Husky voice
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Enlarged kidneys, liver and other organs
• Enlarged sinuses
• Snoring
• Menstrual problems in women
• Impotence

These are some of the common symptoms of acromegaly, that are often mistaken as symptoms of other diseases.

Serious Symptoms of Acromegaly

• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Colon polyps
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Respiratory problems
• Goiter
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Sleep apnea
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Acromegaly Treatment
People with acromegaly are more prone to develop the above conditions, though it may not be seen in all. It can be treated successfully, provided the symptoms are identified early. The most common treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor in the pituitary gland. Surgery is recommended in most cases as it is a rapid and effective treatment. But sometimes surgery does not work well if the tumors are extra large in size. In that case doctors recommend medical therapy, which helps in shrinking the tumors. Radiation therapy is also an option for treating this condition in case medication does not prove effective.

Early diagnosis of acromegaly is necessary to help in the effective treatment of the disease. Proper care and monitoring is required during the process. So if you see any of the signs and symptoms of acromegaly, consult your health care provider immediately.