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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Acromegaly (ak-roh-MEG-uh-lee) is a rare hormonal disorder that develops when your pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, nearly always as a result of a noncancerous (benign) tumor. The excess hormone causes swelling, skin thickening, tissue growth and bone enlargement, especially in your face, hands and feet.
Acromegaly occurs in adulthood, usually during middle age. In children who are still growing, too much growth hormone can cause a condition called gigantism that leads to an abnormal increase in height as well as excess bone growth.
Because acromegaly is uncommon and physical changes occur gradually, it often isn't recognized right away. Although untreated acromegaly can lead to serious illness and premature death, available treatments can reduce your risk of complications and significantly improve your symptoms.
- Melmed S, et al. Disorders of the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Online. 17th ed. USA: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2876725. Accessed June 6, 2010.
- Fitzgerald PM. Acromegaly and gigantism. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010. 49th ed. USA: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=14372&searchStr=acromegaly. Accessed June 6, 2010.
- Melmed S. Diagnosis of acromegaly. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 6, 2010.
- Melmed S. Treatment of acromegaly. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 6, 2010.
- Chapman IM. Gigantism and acromegaly. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec12/ch151/ch151f.html#sec12-ch151-ch151f-128. Accessed June 6, 2010.
- Acromegaly. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/acro/acro.htm. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Vik-Mo EO, et al. Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for acromegaly. European Journal of Endocrinology. 2007;157:255.
- Cook DM, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acromegaly. Endocrine Practice. 2004;10:213.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. July 7, 2010.
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