AcromegalyAcromegaly is basically a neurological disorder where there is too much growth hormone. The gland that is responsible for this is the pituitary gland. This gland will put out an excessive amount of growth hormone. The growth hormone to begin with is overstimulated by a tumor that is not cancerous or is malignant. The medical name for tumors of the benign type are called adenomas. The age group for this brain disorder is usually people that are in the middle-aged group. However, people at any age can get it. Acromegaly is very treatable in most people. It tends to have a very slow progression though, and the correct diagnosis is often missed. The most serious problems from this neurological disorder are
Symptoms of Acromegaly Swelling of the hands and feet Protrusion of the lower jaw and brow Nasal bones will become much bigger Teeth will gradually space out Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur as the tissue may trap nerves Heart may very well become enlarged Joint pains Skin tags Oil skin that is thick and coarse Fatigue and weakness Erectile dysfunction in men Loss of sexual interest Headaches Visual problems Causes of Acromegaly Growth hormone by the pituitary gland is the problem, but this all really starts in another part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus makes hormones that regulate your pituitary gland. When the growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland into the blood, it initiates the liver to put out another hormone type called IGF-1. IGF 1, is the insulin growth factor will create unwanted changes to the blood sugar. In turn then, you have bones that are overgrowing, and the heart along with other organs, will enlarge. Tumors of the Pituitary Tumors of the pituitary gland are usually found in 95 percent of people with acromegaly. Growth hormone tumors are either a macro-adenoma, which means larger than 1 centimeter, or micro-adenomas, which means less than 1 centimeter. The larger tumors may affect the visual field when the grow up word. Tumors that are on the side, can cause damage to the sinus area, (cavernous sinus), that is, affecting them. When the pituitary gland has pressure on the area, this can also alter other hormonal production which effects the body in many ways. Mensturation cycles may become irregular, breast discharge is likely to happen, and guys have ED.
No. When it does appear,it is mostly the smaller adenomas that are more likely to occur. These tumors are often asymptomatic. Diagnosing the disorder A blood test will usually be done to see if the growth hormone factor is higher than it should be. This simple blood test alone is not an absolute diagnosis though. And this is because concentrations in the blood with this hormone change through the pituitary gland daily. Doctors will also look at blood sugars through a glucose tolerance test, and test IGF levels in the blood since the IGF test is more definite. If IGF is high, this is definitely a big key to diagnosis. MRI The MRI scan is done to detect a brain tumor from this disease. Tumors that are not pituitary related are considered as ectopic, and may be found in the abdominal area, chest wall, or pelvic section. If these tumors are seen in these areas of the body, it is a key factor of an over production of growth hormone. Treatments for this problem are a variety of options. The goals are to: Taper the excess hormone production so it can be at the normal range. Work to stop pressure from the growth of pituitary tumor. This tumor places pressures on the brain areas. Try to promote normal functions of the pituitary gland and treat whatever hormonal problems there may be with it. Surgery The surgical option is often the first choice for people with acromegaly. The effect is very quick. The surgeon will access the pituitary through an incision that is made right directly into the nose and into the upper portion of the lip. With specially made tools, the tumor can be removed. The surgery quickly takes away pressure on the brain sections, and help to normalize growth hormone levels.
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