$Unique_ID{BRK01323}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is "Acromegaly"?}
$Subject{pituitary acromegaly endocrine glands metabolism cancer cancers
neoplasm neoplasms gland bromocriptine large extremity tumor adenoma growth
hormone gh sella turcica extremities finger fingers hand hands foot feet
acromegalia gigantism}
$Volume{C-22, B-22}
$Log{
Cross Section of the Brain and Skull*0002401.scf
Location and Function of the Endocrine Glands*0002901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Acromegaly"?


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QUESTION:  My son has "Acromegaly" secondary to a large pituitary tumor.
Could you please give me some information about this?  He is taking
Bromocriptine.  Could you please tell us something about that?  I haven't been
able to find any information about any of this.

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ANSWER:  The term acromegaly comes from the Greek "acros" meaning "extremity"
and "megale" meaning "great", for large fingers, hands and feet are
distinguishing marks of this disorder.  It almost always is caused by a tumor
(adenoma) of the pituitary gland, which secretes excessive amounts of the
growth hormone (GH).  Although this may happen at any age, it is most
frequently seen between the ages of 30 to 50, a time of life when bone growth
is complete.  When the hormone is secreted it causes the soft tissues of the
fingers and feet to swell, and a coarsening of the features of the face.  The
skin may become thicker and darken, and there is a growth of coarse body hair.
The mandible grows, causing the jaw to protrude and the cartilage of the
larynx (voice box) grows, creating a deep, husky voice.  After a period of
time, the growth of rib structures creates a barrel chest.  Sugar metabolism
is affected in about half the cases, but causes a clinical diabetes in only 10
percent of the patients.  The diagnosis can be made by x-rays which show the
changes in the bony structures, and can disclose an enlargement of the sella
turcica, the area where the pituitary gland is found.  Blood tests will also
show that the levels of GH are elevated.  Bromocriptine mesylate can be used
to help lower the levels of GH, and is effective in some cases.  However
either surgery or radiation therapy is generally recommended to remove or
destroy the pituitary tumor.  The results of radiation therapy with
supervoltage radiation may not be seen for several years, when the levels of
GH finally fall to normal, but is a procedure that rarely damages the cranial
nerves or other tissues.  There are many types of treatment and the techniques
may vary from one institution to another.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.