Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  Acromegaly and gigantism are due to excess GH production, usually as a result of a pituitary adenoma. […] Clinical manifestations in each patient depend on the levels of GH and IGF-I, age, tumor size, and the delay in diagnosis. […] The manifestations of acromegaly are varied, including acral and soft tissue overgrowth, joint pain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart and respiratory failure. […] The typical features of acromegaly slowly develop over years; around 40% of acromegalic patients are diagnosed by internists, ophthalmologists if they have visual disturbances, dentists due to maxillary teeth separation, mandibular prognathism, and overbite, gynecologists due to menstrual irregularities and infertility, rheumatologists if they suffer from joint problems, or pulmonologist if they have obstructive sleep apnea.

• #2 What Is Acromegaly and How Does It Progress?

  https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/q-what-is-acromegaly-and-how-does-it-progress-does

  Catching and treating this hormonal disorder early may reduce the chance of persistent problems. However, acromegaly symptoms often go undiagnosed for years. […] Acromegaly symptoms occur over several years and often go unnoticed, even when rings become tight or hats and shoes no longer fit. The excessive growth hormone also alters one’s metabolism, leading to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart disease. Due to the insidious nature of these changes, most patients have symptoms for an average of 10 years before a diagnosis is made. […] While many problems can improve after successful therapy, some changes may be permanent and lead to persistent problems so early diagnosis and intervention is important.

• #3 Acromegaly | UVA Health

  https://uvahealth.com/services/benign-brain-tumor/acromegaly

  Symptoms and signs are not always obvious. So diagnosis is usually delayed 10-15 years after the condition develops. The average age at diagnosis is 40-45 years. […] Many acromegaly symptoms improve, and you can eventually sleep better and discontinue taking medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. This usually takes weeks to months. […] Symptoms and complications in adults may include the following: Abnormally large growth and deformity of the: Hands, Feet, Face (protrusion of brow and lower jaw), Jaw (overbite such that lower teeth close in front of upper teeth), Lips, Tongue (causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea), Sinuses, vocal cords and soft tissues of the throat larynx (causing deep sonorous voice). […] In women, symptoms may also include: Irregular menstrual cycles. […] In men, symptoms may also include: Erectile dysfunction, in about 50% of cases.

• #4

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12020-018-1764-4

  Acromegaly is characterized by a broad range of manifestations. […] Morphologic manifestations (83.7-87.9% patients), snoring syndrome (81.4% patients), and asthenia (79.2% patients) were frequently present at diagnosis; differences were found between sexes for specific manifestations. […] The most frequent manifestations were morphologic (enlarged hands, enlarged feet), facial modifications (frontal bump, enlargement of the nose), snoring syndrome, and asthenia. […] The most frequent FS were enlarged hands (18.2% at 10 years, 26.9% at 6 years, and 62.9% at 1 year prior to diagnosis) and enlarged feet (18.2% at 10 years, 26.3% at 6 years, and 62.9% at 1 year prior to diagnosis). […] The mean (SD) time between the onset and diagnosis for each patient (analysis population) was 14.2 (11.3) years. […] FS apparent earlier in the disease course included morphologic manifestations (enlarged hands, enlarged feet, and facial modifications), snoring, and weight gain.

• #5 Acromegaly: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17743-acromegaly

  In adults, acromegaly (excess growth hormone) causes bones, cartilage, body organs and other tissues to increase in size. Characteristic changes in appearance include larger hands, feet, ears, lips and nose and a more prominent jaw and forehead. […] Acromegaly affects your bodys bones and tissues and causes them to grow in irregular ways. […] Adults with acromegaly may experience the following symptoms: Enlarged hands or feet. Changes in your face shape, including a more prominent jaw and/or forehead. Increase in size of your lips, nose and/or tongue. Excessive sweating or oily skin. Deepening of your voice. […] Acromegaly symptoms often start slowly and may be difficult to notice at first. Some people only notice their hands have grown in size when rings they regularly wear feel tight or their shoe size changes, especially the width.

• #6 Acromegaly – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/symptoms-causes/syc-20351222

  Symptoms of acromegaly include an enlarged face and hands. Changes to the face may cause the brow bone and lower jaw to jut out, and the nose and lips to get larger. […] These changes happen slowly over many years. So people with acromegaly and their loved ones may take a long time to notice the symptoms. […] Most often, people with acromegaly don’t have every possible body change. And because the changes come on slowly, they may take years to notice. But over time, rings may no longer fit fingers like they used to. Or shoe size may get bigger. […] Other acromegaly symptoms can include vision troubles, including loss of side vision, more sweating and body odor than is typical, extreme tiredness, headaches, joint pain, and a deeper voice. […] Without treatment, acromegaly can lead to other serious and sometimes life-threatening health conditions called complications. But treatments such as surgery, medicine and radiation can lower the risk of complications. Treatment also can improve many acromegaly symptoms.

• #7 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/acromegaly-causes-symptoms-treatment

  Changes happen slowly, sometimes over years. Your hands and feet are usually large. You might notice a change in your ring or shoe size, especially your shoe width. […] Your facial features such as your lips, jaw, nose, and tongue often change, becoming coarser and broader. Your teeth may begin to space out. Your brow and lower jaw may start to jut out from your face. […] Other symptoms may include: Achy joints, possibly leading to arthritis, Stiff, rough body hair, Hoarser, deeper voice, Pinched nerve problems, Skin that’s oily or thick, Skin tags, Sweating a lot with body odor, Headaches, Snoring and sleep apnea, a breathing problem that happens during sleep, Weakness and being tired, Tingling or pain in fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome), Vision problems, Lower sex drive, Changes in menstrual cycle and breast discharge, Erectile dysfunction.

• #8 Acromegaly | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands and feet. […] The symptoms and signs of acromegaly can include: swelling of soft tissue in the hands and feet (onset signs), enlarged bones in the skull, face, jaw, hands and feet, joint pains, pins and needles in the hands, headaches, gaps forming between the teeth, which may cause a bad bite, barrel chest, enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), thick and oily skin and strong body odour, growth of skin tags, overgrowth of hair, husky voice, enlarged tongue and lips, snoring or drooling while asleep, heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis), vision changes, such as loss of peripheral (side) vision. […] The progression of acromegaly depends on the secretion activity and size of the tumour. In general, acromegaly progresses faster and more aggressively in people who develop a pituitary tumour early in adult life.

• #9 Symptoms of Acromegaly – Pituitary Foundation

  https://www.pituitary.org.uk/information/acromegaly-symptoms/

  Early symptoms may involve tiredness and sleep disturbance together with sweating, and swelling of the hands and feet. […] Gradually, bone changes alter the patients facial features with the brow and lower jaw protruding. The nasal bones enlarge and teeth may be spaced out in the lower jaw. An overgrowth of bone and cartilage can lead to arthritis and when tissue thickens it may trap nerves, causing carpal tunnel syndrome which results in weakness, numbness or pain in the hands. Organs in the body, such as the heart may enlarge. […] Symptoms include; Increased shoe size, gloves, hats, shirt collar, over months or years, Headaches, Joint pains, Facial pain changes to bite as the jaw moves forward and/or spacing of the lower jaw teeth may change, Sweating, Increased weight, Mood swings, Tongue grows, Speech differences i.e. deeper voice, with possible lisping sound, Sleep apnoea (snoring with episodes of interrupted catching of breath).

• #10 Acromegaly

  https://www.massgeneral.org/condition/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is abnormal growth that occurs when an adult’s pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone. The abnormal growth starts in your hands and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell. This rare disease affects mostly middle-aged people. […] The abnormal growth starts in your hands, face, and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell. This rare disease affects mostly middle-aged adults. It can lead to severe illness and even death if not treated. […] Each persons symptoms may vary. They depend on how long you have had the disease. Symptoms may include: […] Swelling of your hands and feet. You may find your rings no longer fit and you need to buy larger shoes. […] Larger lips, nose, and tongue, as your bones grow […] Larger jaw that sticks out more (protrudes) […] Thicker body hair

• #11 Pediatric acromegaly (gigantism) – Children’s Health Endocrinology

  https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/acromegaly-gigantism

  Acromegaly, also known as growth hormone excess (gigantism), is a rare condition. It happens when the pituitary gland (tiny organ at the base of the brain) produces too much growth hormone and releases it into the bloodstream. […] In most cases, the condition affects adults, however, it can happen in children. Since children are still growing, excess growth hormone can cause their skeleton to grow very rapidly, leading to a condition called gigantism or unusually large size. […] What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric acromegaly (gigantism)? Early voice changes in boys, Enlarged facial features, Enlarged hands and feet, Enlarged organs (heart, liver, kidneys, etc.), Enlarged tongue, Enlarged vocal cords, Excessive sweating, Fatigue (extreme tiredness), Headaches, Joint pain, Large chest size (barrel chest), Oily or thick skin, Sinus problems and snoring, Skin tags (short, narrow flap of skin tissue), Vision problems.

• #12 Gigantism and Acromegaly Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/925446-clinical

  Acromegaly can be an insidious disease. Symptoms, which may precede diagnosis by several years, can be divided into the following groups: […] Symptoms due to local mass effects of an intracranial tumor […] Symptoms due to excess of GH/IGF-I. […] These symptoms depend on the size of the intracranial tumor. Headaches and visual field defects are the most common symptoms. […] Symptoms due to excess of GH/IGF-I include the following: Soft tissue swelling and enlargement of extremities, increase in ring and/or shoe size, hyperhidrosis, coarsening of facial features, prognathism, macroglossia, arthritis, increased incidence of obstructive sleep apnea, increased incidence of glucose intolerance or frank diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. […] Skin changes are considered to be a classic feature of acromegaly; as activity of the disease diminishes, the skin changes become stationary and regress. […] In a study assessing a 30-year experience with acromegaly at a major Canadian center, the most common presenting features included acral enlargement, coarse facial features, and sweating or oily skin.

• #13 Acromegaly | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/acromegaly.html

  When your pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone, abnormal growth occurs. This is called acromegaly. The abnormal growth starts in your hands, face, and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell. This rare disease affects mostly middle-aged adults. It can lead to severe illness and even death if not treated. […] Each persons symptoms may vary. They depend on how long you have had the disease. Symptoms may include: Swelling of your hands and feet. You may find your rings no longer fit and you need to buy larger shoes. Larger lips, nose, and tongue, as your bones grow. Larger jaw that sticks out more (protrudes). Thicker body hair. Thicker, darker skin and skin tags. More sweat and body odor. Deeper voice. Larger chest as your ribs get thicker. Joint pain. Degenerative arthritis. Increased size of your heart and other organs. Strange feelings and weakness in your arms and legs, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Snoring and breaks in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea) from thickened tissue around your throat. Lack of energy (fatigue) and weakness. Headaches. Loss of eyesight or double vision. Irregular menstrual cycles (women). Breast discharge (women). Men unable to have or maintain an erection (impotence). Enlarged thyroid gland. […] Symptoms depend on how long you have had the disease. Symptoms can be missed. So the disease is often not diagnosed until years later. If not treated, acromegaly can lead to heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, vision problems, high blood pressure, or even death.

• #14 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  The growth of the pituitary adenoma may compress local structures and cause neurological symptomatology and visual disturbances. […] The clinical manifestations of acromegaly include skin changes such as hyperhidrosis, oily skin, and unpleasant odor, which are due to the deposit of glycosaminoglycans. […] One of the most frequent clinical manifestations of acromegaly affects the joints, in approximately 70% of individuals at the time of diagnosis. […] Cardiovascular manifestations occur in 60% of patients. […] Acromegaly alters the structure of the respiratory apparatus and impairs respiratory function. […] Hyperprolactinemia with or without galactorrhea develops in approximately 30% of patients due to of pituitary stalk compression or mixed tumor secretion of GH and PRL. […] The gastrointestinal manifestations associated with acromegaly are colon carcinoma, adenomatous polyps, and dolichocolon.

• #15 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://patient.info/hormones/acromegaly-leaflet

  So, over time one or more of the following may develop: Your hands and feet may grow larger and broader, leading to an increase in glove and shoe sizes over time. It might become difficult to remove a wedding ring. Your skin may thicken particularly on the face, and become more greasy and sweaty. Changes to your face may include: thickened lips and nose, thickening of your scalp, your jaw becoming more prominent. These changes develop very gradually so may not be noticed by your family or friends. However, comparing old photographs to your current appearance may suggest your facial appearance has changed. Your dentist might notice that your teeth are spacing out or that they no longer align correctly when you bite down. Your vocal cords thicken which may cause your voice to deepen. Your tongue may become enlarged, which can lead to frequently biting it. Thickening of cartilage may cause joint pain and arthritis in various joints. Thickening of the nasal passages can make you snore loudly and may cause obstruction in airflow when you are asleep (sleep apnoea). This can make you have a poor night’s sleep and make you drowsy during the day. You may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a nerve in the wrist is squeezed by thickened tissue. This can cause pain, tingling and weakness in parts of the hands or arms. Women may experience irregular or missed periods.

• #16 Acromegaly: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/227796

  Acromegaly affects muscle strength, bone health, and energy levels, and it can lead to unusual physical features and medical complications. It can take years for the changes to appear. […] The changes brought about by acromegaly take time to develop. […] Changes in physical appearance can be dramatic. They include: a large jaw and tongue, gaps between the teeth, a more prominent brow, swollen hands, large feet, rough and oily skin, skin tags. […] Other changes include: tingling and lack of sensation in the hands and feet, heavy sweating, headaches, a deeper voice, impaired vision. […] There may also be enlargement of the internal organs, including the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. […] As the symptoms of acromegaly appear slowly, it can take a long time, possibly years, to make a diagnosis.

• #17 Acromegaly: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Complications & Diagnosis

  https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/acromegaly-a-comprehensive-guide-explaining-a-growth-hormone-disorder

  Acromegaly causes the accelerated growth of body tissues and bones, resulting in the gradual emergence of disproportionately large hands and feet, accompanied by a range of additional symptoms over time. […] Common acromegaly symptoms include enlarged hands and feet, leading to difficulties in wearing previously fitting rings and shoes. […] Gradual alterations in facial shape may occur, such as a protruding lower jaw and brow bone, enlarged nose, thickened lips, and widened spacing between teeth. […] Acromegaly symptoms can vary among individuals and may encompass: Enlargement of hands and feet. Increased size of facial features like bones, lips, nose, and tongue. Coarse, oily, thickened skin. Excessive sweating and body odour. Presence of skin tags. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain. Deepened voice due to enlarged vocal cords and sinuses. Severe snoring from upper airway obstruction. Vision difficulties and persistent or severe headaches. Irregular menstrual cycles in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Decreased libido.

• #18 Acromegaly

  https://www.massgeneral.org/condition/acromegaly

  Thicker, darker skin and skin tags […] More sweat and body odor […] Deeper voice […] Larger chest as your ribs get thicker […] Joint pain […] Degenerative arthritis […] Increased size of your heart and other organs […] Strange feelings and weakness in your arms and legs, including carpal tunnel syndrome […] Snoring and breaks in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea) from thickened tissue around your throat […] Lack of energy (fatigue) and weakness […] Headaches […] Loss of eyesight or double vision […] Irregular menstrual cycles (women) […] Breast discharge (women) […] Men unable to have or maintain an erection (impotence) […] Enlarged thyroid gland […] If acromegaly isnt treated, it can lead to several problems. These may include: […] Heart disease (enlarged heart)

• #19 Managing Acromegaly Symptoms | Together with Acromegaly

  https://www.togetherwithacromegaly.com/managing-symptoms/

  While symptoms of acromegaly can take to develop, the most common sign of acromegaly is the enlargement of one’s face, hands, and feet. Acromegaly may affect people in different ways. Some people with acromegaly may notice physical changes over time, while others will experience less-specific symptoms such as aching joints, headaches, or fatigue. […] The signs and symptoms of acromegaly include broadening of the nose, lips, ears, and forehead; enlarged tongue and increased spacing between front teeth, growth in hands and feet that requires larger shoes, rings, and gloves, headaches, hoarse voice; sleep apnea and loud snoring, appearance of skin tags and excessive sweating, joint or muscle pains, arthritis of large joints, polyps in the colon, thyroid, and uterus, high blood pressure and heart failure, enlargement of certain organs, including the liver and heart, and diabetes mellitus. […] Acromegaly symptoms may fluctuate even while on treatment. That’s why it’s important to track and share symptoms with your doctor as you try to determine the most effective treatment and dosage.

• #20 Acromegaly Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment – Cura4U

  https://cura4u.com/conditions/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a disorder that arises with a disturbance in hormones. The symptoms are initially relatively mild and may have been present for several years before diagnosis. […] Common signs include enlarged hands and feet. The earliest sign that could be noticed is that the person cannot put on rings that are the right size, and the shoe size has progressively increased. Acromegaly may also cause slow changes in the shape of the face, such as a protruding lower jaw with prominent brow bone, an enlarged nose, a thick appearance of lips, and visible spaces between the teeth. As acromegaly tends to progress slowly, early signs may not be evident for several years. […] Some of the common clinical features include: Increase in size of hands and feet, Prominent large facial features, including the facial bones, lips, nose, and tongue, Coarse, oily, thickened skin, Excessive sweating and body odor, Outgrowths of skin tissue (skin tags), Fatigue and joint or muscle weakness, Pain and limited joint mobility, Enlarged vocal cords and sinuses, Obstruction of the upper airway results in too much snoring, Vision impairment, Headaches (severe persistent), Menstrual cycle irregularities in women, Erectile dysfunction, Loss of libido.

• #21 What is Acromegaly? Symptoms & Treatments – BuzzRx

  https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/what-is-acromegaly-symptoms-and-treatments

  Acromegaly is a rare, slowly progressive hormonal disorder that occurs when there is too much growth hormone in the body. It causes bones and soft tissues in the body to grow abnormally, resulting in enlarged hands and feet, changes in facial features, and other symptoms. […] The symptoms of acromegaly (growth hormone excess) include: Enlarged hands and feet, Changes in facial features, for example, increased prominence of the forehead and jaw, Dough-like consistency of the limbs due to soft tissue swelling, Enlargement of the lips, nose, and tongue, Deepening or huskiness of the voice, Excessive sweating and body odor, Coarse, thickened, and oily skin due to excess sebaceous glands. […] Additionally, symptoms of acromegaly can also include the following if the pituitary adenoma presses on other pituitary tissue (surrounding tissue) or there is an excess of other pituitary hormones: Severe and persistent headaches, Vision changes, Joint pain, muscle aches, weakness, limited mobility, Increased number of skin tags, Numbness in the hands and feet, Sleep apnea, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Menstrual cycle irregularities in women, Erectile dysfunction men, Low libido (loss of interest in sex).

• #22 Gigantism and Acromegaly – Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-disorders/gigantism-and-acromegaly

  In acromegaly, GH hypersecretion usually starts when the patient is between 20 and 40 years old. When GH hypersecretion begins after epiphyseal closure, the earliest clinical manifestations are coarsening of the facial features and soft-tissue swelling of the hands and feet. Appearance changes, and larger rings, gloves, and shoes are needed. […] In adults with acromegaly, coarse body hair increases, and the skin thickens and frequently darkens. The size and function of sebaceous and sweat glands increase, such that patients frequently complain of excessive perspiration and offensive body odor. Overgrowth of the mandible leads to protrusion of the jaw (prognathism) and malocclusion of teeth. Cartilaginous proliferation of the larynx leads to a deep, husky voice. The tongue is frequently enlarged and furrowed. In long-standing acromegaly, costal cartilage growth leads to a barrel chest. Articular cartilaginous proliferation occurs early in response to GH excess, with the articular cartilage possibly undergoing necrosis and erosion. Joint symptoms are common, and crippling degenerative arthritis may occur.

• #23 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  The growth of the pituitary adenoma may compress local structures and cause neurological symptomatology and visual disturbances. […] The clinical manifestations of acromegaly include skin changes such as hyperhidrosis, oily skin, and unpleasant odor, which are due to the deposit of glycosaminoglycans. […] One of the most frequent clinical manifestations of acromegaly affects the joints, in approximately 70% of individuals at the time of diagnosis. […] Cardiovascular manifestations occur in 60% of patients. […] Acromegaly alters the structure of the respiratory apparatus and impairs respiratory function. […] Hyperprolactinemia with or without galactorrhea develops in approximately 30% of patients due to of pituitary stalk compression or mixed tumor secretion of GH and PRL. […] The gastrointestinal manifestations associated with acromegaly are colon carcinoma, adenomatous polyps, and dolichocolon.

• #24 Signs & Symptoms — Acromegaly Community

  https://acromegalycommunity.org/symptoms

  Acromegaly is associated with many symptoms. Most of these can be directly related to having excess levels of growth hormone in the body and some may be more likely due to the pituitary gland tumor pressing on nearby parts of the brain. […] Acral symptoms affect the face and extremities. If you or someone you love suffers from at least 1 acral symptom or 3 or more suggestive symptoms AND 1 or more of the associated conditions, print this page and ask your doctor about receiving an IGF-1 test. […] Enlargement of your hands, feet, and head. Protruding jaw. Prominent forehead (Frontal Bossing). Wide bridge of the nose. Widely spaced teeth. Enlarged lips. Enlarged tongue. Thicker, rough skin. […] Acromegaly suggestive symptoms impacting quality of life: Snoring. Headaches. Fatigue. Depression. Colon polyps. Difficulty speaking. Excessive sweating. Excessive saliva production. Skin changes (such as skin tags, rough and oily skin or thickened skin). Tingling in hands, feet, arms or legs. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Loss of or impaired vision. Overproduction of Prolactin (Milk overproduction – in men or women). Impotence, loss of libido. Abnormal / Interrupted menstrual cycle. Deeper / husky voice. Low sex drive.

• #25 Symptoms and Causes | Acromegaly | Seeing Differences

  https://seeingdifferences.co.uk/symptomsandcauses

  Acromegaly can lead to an enlarged heart (known as myocardial hypertrophy), changes in your heart structure and the way your heart pumps blood round your body, and/or high blood pressure. […] Acromegaly increases the length and circumference of the colon, potentially facilitating the growth of pre-existing colonic tumours, or initiating their development. […] Increase in size of hands and feet. […] Overgrowth of bone and enlargement of cartilage in the joints may cause swelling and stiffness.

• #26 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/acromegaly-causes-symptoms-treatment

  Changes happen slowly, sometimes over years. Your hands and feet are usually large. You might notice a change in your ring or shoe size, especially your shoe width. […] Your facial features such as your lips, jaw, nose, and tongue often change, becoming coarser and broader. Your teeth may begin to space out. Your brow and lower jaw may start to jut out from your face. […] Other symptoms may include: Achy joints, possibly leading to arthritis, Stiff, rough body hair, Hoarser, deeper voice, Pinched nerve problems, Skin that’s oily or thick, Skin tags, Sweating a lot with body odor, Headaches, Snoring and sleep apnea, a breathing problem that happens during sleep, Weakness and being tired, Tingling or pain in fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome), Vision problems, Lower sex drive, Changes in menstrual cycle and breast discharge, Erectile dysfunction.

• #27 Gigantism and Acromegaly – Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/gigantism-and-acromegaly

  Overproduction of growth hormone causes excessive growth. In adults, it is called acromegaly. […] In most cases, excessive production of growth hormone begins between the ages of 30 and 50, long after the growth plates of the bones have closed. Increased growth hormone in adults thus cannot increase the length of bones, but it does cause acromegaly, in which the bones become deformed rather than elongated. Because changes occur slowly, they are usually not recognized for years. […] The person’s facial features become coarse, and the hands and feet swell. Larger rings, gloves, shoes, and hats are needed. Overgrowth of the jawbone (mandible) can cause the jaw to protrude (prognathism). Cartilage in the voice box (larynx) may thicken, making the voice deep and husky. The ribs may thicken, creating a barrel chest. Joint pain is common. After many years, crippling degenerative arthritis may occur.

• #28 Gigantism and Acromegaly – Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/gigantism-and-acromegaly

  The heart usually enlarges, and its function may be so severely impaired that heart failure occurs. Other organs in the body may be enlarged. […] Sometimes a person feels disturbing sensations and weakness in the arms and legs as enlarging tissues compress the nerves. Nerves that carry messages from the eyes to the brain may also be compressed, causing loss of vision, particularly in the outer visual fields. The pressure on the brain may also cause severe headaches. […] There is also an increased likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure (hypertension), sleep apnea, and certain tumors, particularly affecting the large intestine, which may become cancerous. Life expectancy is reduced in people with untreated acromegaly.

• #29 Acromegaly Diagnosis & Treatment – NYC | Columbia Neurosurgery in New York City

  https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/acromegaly

  Due to the excess tissue growth caused by the condition, people with acromegaly may also experience carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapments, radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis. […] Other potentially serious complications of acromegaly include diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, cardiomyopathy, arthritis, colon polyps, and vision loss. […] Most symptoms of acromegaly are caused by excessive hormone levels. But some, like headaches and vision loss, may be caused by the mass of the pituitary tumor. […] Most people are diagnosed between 40 and 50 years of age, but symptoms have often been present for 10 years or more at the time of diagnosis. […] Removing the tumor mass immediately relieves pressure on the surrounding brain structures and prevents future vision loss.

• #30 Acromegaly Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/acromegaly/article_em.htm

  Enlargement of the hands and feet is one of the most common signs of the disease. […] Other effects include enlargement of jaw and other facial bones; overgrowth of bone and cartilage in the joints, causing arthritis, back pain, and curvature of the spine (kyphosis); swelling of the face, lips, and tongue; breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea); thickening of the skin; carpal tunnel and other nerve entrapment syndromes; and enlargement of body organs such as the heart, thyroid gland (goiter), liver, and kidneys. […] Development of symptoms in acromegaly is often slow and gradual. It may be so gradual that symptoms go unnoticed for years or even decades. […] The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is 12 years. […] Symptoms can be divided into 2 groups: those that are effects of the tumor pressing on surrounding tissues and those caused by excess growth hormone and IGF-1 in the blood.

• #31 Acromegaly | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/acromegaly.html

  When your pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone, abnormal growth occurs. This is called acromegaly. The abnormal growth starts in your hands, face, and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell. This rare disease affects mostly middle-aged adults. It can lead to severe illness and even death if not treated. […] Each persons symptoms may vary. They depend on how long you have had the disease. Symptoms may include: Swelling of your hands and feet. You may find your rings no longer fit and you need to buy larger shoes. Larger lips, nose, and tongue, as your bones grow. Larger jaw that sticks out more (protrudes). Thicker body hair. Thicker, darker skin and skin tags. More sweat and body odor. Deeper voice. Larger chest as your ribs get thicker. Joint pain. Degenerative arthritis. Increased size of your heart and other organs. Strange feelings and weakness in your arms and legs, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Snoring and breaks in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea) from thickened tissue around your throat. Lack of energy (fatigue) and weakness. Headaches. Loss of eyesight or double vision. Irregular menstrual cycles (women). Breast discharge (women). Men unable to have or maintain an erection (impotence). Enlarged thyroid gland. […] Symptoms depend on how long you have had the disease. Symptoms can be missed. So the disease is often not diagnosed until years later. If not treated, acromegaly can lead to heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, vision problems, high blood pressure, or even death.

• #32 Acromegaly: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock

  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000321.htm

  Acromegaly is a condition in which there is too much growth hormone (GH) in your body. […] Symptoms of acromegaly may include any of the following: Body odor, Blood in the stool, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Decreased muscle strength (weakness), Decreased peripheral vision, Dental problems, gaps between the teeth, Easy fatigue, Enlarged tongue, Excessive height (when excess GH production begins in childhood), Excessive sweating, Headache, Heart enlargement, which can cause fainting or shortness of breath, Hoarseness, Jaw pain, Joint pain, limited joint movement, swelling of the bony areas around a joint, Large bones of the face, large jaw and tongue, widely spaced teeth, Large feet (change in shoe size), large hands (change in ring or glove size), Large glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) causing oily skin, thickening of the skin, skin tags (growths), Sleep apnea, Widened fingers or toes, with swelling, redness, and pain. […] Without treatment, the symptoms will get worse. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease may result.

• #33 Acromegaly: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment – NY & NJ | Metropolitan Neurosurgery Associates

  https://mnamd.com/conditions/neurological-conditions/acromegaly/

  Acromegaly symptoms typically develop slowly over time. Common signs and symptoms include: […] Enlarged hands and feet: Changes in shoe or ring size may be one of the first noticeable signs. […] Facial changes: Enlarged facial features, such as the nose, lips, or jaw, can alter ones appearance. […] Joint pain: The abnormal growth of tissues can cause joint pain and limited mobility. […] Organ enlargement: Internal organs, including the heart, can become enlarged and impact their function. […] Skin changes: Thickened, oily skin and skin tags may appear. […] Vision problems: Pressure on the optic nerves can lead to vision impairment or loss.

• #34 Symptoms of Acromegaly | Neurological Surgery

  https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/condition/acromegaly/symptoms-acromegaly

  Visible symptoms of acromegaly may include: Enlarged hands and feet […] Changes in facial appearance (widening or protruding features, enlarged lips or tongue, spaces between teeth) […] Skin changes (skin tags, thickening skin, excess perspiration, body odor) […] Voice changes (deep or hoarse voice) […] Hair growth […] Weight gain […] Other symptoms and conditions secondary to the excess of growth hormone (GH) may include: Headache […] Fatigue and weakness […] Joint pain or limited joint movement […] Vision changes […] Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction […] Changes in menstrual cycle […] Sleep apnea […] Diabetes (high blood sugar) […] High blood pressure […] Many people who experience some or all these individual symptoms as well as many of their treating medical professionals do not realize that they are related, so diagnosing acromegaly is usually delayed. The patient or a sharp-eyed primary care physician may be the first to recognize the connections between a wider shoe size, menstrual changes, and vision problems. Whenever acromegaly or other hormone-related conditions are suspected, the patient should be referred for testing and definitive diagnosis.

• #35 Gigantism and Acromegaly Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/925446-clinical

  Acromegaly can be an insidious disease. Symptoms, which may precede diagnosis by several years, can be divided into the following groups: […] Symptoms due to local mass effects of an intracranial tumor […] Symptoms due to excess of GH/IGF-I. […] These symptoms depend on the size of the intracranial tumor. Headaches and visual field defects are the most common symptoms. […] Symptoms due to excess of GH/IGF-I include the following: Soft tissue swelling and enlargement of extremities, increase in ring and/or shoe size, hyperhidrosis, coarsening of facial features, prognathism, macroglossia, arthritis, increased incidence of obstructive sleep apnea, increased incidence of glucose intolerance or frank diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. […] Skin changes are considered to be a classic feature of acromegaly; as activity of the disease diminishes, the skin changes become stationary and regress. […] In a study assessing a 30-year experience with acromegaly at a major Canadian center, the most common presenting features included acral enlargement, coarse facial features, and sweating or oily skin.

• #36 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://patient.info/hormones/acromegaly-leaflet

  Other effects of too much growth hormone may include: General tiredness. Some muscle weakness. About half of people with acromegaly also develop diabetes because growth hormone stops insulin from working properly. High blood pressure. This develops in about one in three people. Increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This is probably because of the increased risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. […] Acromegaly is caused by an overproduction of a hormone called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which comes from the hypothalamus in the brain. This stimulates the cells in the pituitary gland to produce too much growth hormone. […] In many cases, the tumour is very small and does not cause symptoms just by its size. However, in some cases, the tumour grows enough to press on the nearby tissues inside the skull. This can lead to: Headaches. Problems with vision. The tumour may press on the optic nerves (the nerves going from the eyes to the brain) which are just next to the pituitary gland. Other normal cells in the pituitary gland may become squashed and damaged. As a result, the pituitary gland may stop being able to produce some other hormones. This can cause an underactive thyroid gland and/or an underactive adrenal gland (small glands above each kidney), which can cause various other symptoms.

• #37 Acromegaly | Brain Institute | OHSU

  https://www.ohsu.edu/brain-institute/acromegaly

  Acromegaly occurs when the pituitary gland (a pea-size gland at the base of the brain) makes too much growth hormone (GH). Excess GH causes bones and organs to grow too large. Acromegaly gradually worsens over time. Without treatment, acromegaly can lead to complications, including life-threatening heart and blood vessel disease. […] Acromegaly can take years to develop. Changes can be so subtle that by the time you are diagnosed, you may have had the condition for some time. Often, people seek care for headaches or vision problems that arise as the tumor grows. […] Symptoms include: Hands and feet getting larger (you may notice your ring or shoe size increasing over 10 to 15 years), Jaw and forehead getting larger, Painful, swollen (arthritic) joints and back pain, Thickened skin and skin tags, Oily skin, Increased sweat, Deepening voice.

• #38 Acromegaly: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock

  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000321.htm

  Acromegaly is a condition in which there is too much growth hormone (GH) in your body. […] Symptoms of acromegaly may include any of the following: Body odor, Blood in the stool, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Decreased muscle strength (weakness), Decreased peripheral vision, Dental problems, gaps between the teeth, Easy fatigue, Enlarged tongue, Excessive height (when excess GH production begins in childhood), Excessive sweating, Headache, Heart enlargement, which can cause fainting or shortness of breath, Hoarseness, Jaw pain, Joint pain, limited joint movement, swelling of the bony areas around a joint, Large bones of the face, large jaw and tongue, widely spaced teeth, Large feet (change in shoe size), large hands (change in ring or glove size), Large glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) causing oily skin, thickening of the skin, skin tags (growths), Sleep apnea, Widened fingers or toes, with swelling, redness, and pain. […] Without treatment, the symptoms will get worse. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease may result.

• #39 Acromegaly – Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor | UCLA Health

  https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/neurosurgery/pituitary-skull-base-tumor/conditions/pituitary-adenomas/acromegaly

  Serious conditions related to longstanding, untreated acromegaly, include: High blood pressure, Diabetes mellitus (adult-onset or Type 2), Heart disease, including heart failure due to heart enlargement. […] If a pituitary growth hormone producing tumor develops in childhood before bone growth is completed, gigantism results. Pituitary giants can grow over seven feet tall. […] Macroadenomas that grow upward into the brain cavity can compress the optic chiasm. Vision problems can include: A loss of the outer peripheral vision, called a bitemporal hemianopsia. […] Compression of the normal gland can cause hormone insufficiency, called hypopituitarism. The symptoms depend upon which hormone is involved. […] More severe hypopituitarism can lead to hypothyroidism or abnormally low cortisol levels, which may be life threatening. Symptoms of severe hypopituitarism include: Loss of appetite, Weight loss or weight gain, Fatigue, Decreased energy, Decreased mental function, Dizziness.

• #40 Symptoms and Causes | Acromegaly | Seeing Differences

  https://seeingdifferences.co.uk/symptomsandcauses

  Acromegaly usually occurs in middle aged adults, but it can happen at any stage. It progresses slowly meaning on average it takes 8 years for diagnosis and you may not notice the symptoms right away. […] The most common symptoms include enlargement of the hands, feet and face, but long-term implications if left untreated may include diabetes and heart failure. […] Changes to vision may be caused by pressure on the optic nerve caused by the pituitary adenoma. […] Sweaty / greasy skin is caused by over secretion of sebaceous glands and sweat glands. […] Excess growth hormone (GH) stimulates glucose and fat production, leading to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). […] Increased growth hormone (GH) can lead to erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive. […] Changes to the face may cause the brow bone and lower jaw to protrude, and the nose and lips to get larger.

• #41 Acromegaly: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/227796

  Acromegaly affects muscle strength, bone health, and energy levels, and it can lead to unusual physical features and medical complications. It can take years for the changes to appear. […] The changes brought about by acromegaly take time to develop. […] Changes in physical appearance can be dramatic. They include: a large jaw and tongue, gaps between the teeth, a more prominent brow, swollen hands, large feet, rough and oily skin, skin tags. […] Other changes include: tingling and lack of sensation in the hands and feet, heavy sweating, headaches, a deeper voice, impaired vision. […] There may also be enlargement of the internal organs, including the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. […] As the symptoms of acromegaly appear slowly, it can take a long time, possibly years, to make a diagnosis.

• #42 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/acromegaly-causes-symptoms-treatment

  Changes happen slowly, sometimes over years. Your hands and feet are usually large. You might notice a change in your ring or shoe size, especially your shoe width. […] Your facial features such as your lips, jaw, nose, and tongue often change, becoming coarser and broader. Your teeth may begin to space out. Your brow and lower jaw may start to jut out from your face. […] Other symptoms may include: Achy joints, possibly leading to arthritis, Stiff, rough body hair, Hoarser, deeper voice, Pinched nerve problems, Skin that’s oily or thick, Skin tags, Sweating a lot with body odor, Headaches, Snoring and sleep apnea, a breathing problem that happens during sleep, Weakness and being tired, Tingling or pain in fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome), Vision problems, Lower sex drive, Changes in menstrual cycle and breast discharge, Erectile dysfunction.

• #43 Acromegaly Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Patient Resources

  https://crinetics.com/acromegaly-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-resources-2/

  A variety of symptoms can occur. Because of the somatic growth caused by excessive amounts of IGF-1, some patients can appear considerably older than their chronological age. Common changes in facial appearance can include a larger nose, fuller lips, a protruding lower jaw and brow, more numerous skin folds, and a general appearance of being unwell. […] Progression of acromegaly can result in other major health problems, which may include: cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis, goiter, colon polyps, sleep apnea, carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal cord compression. […] Often, the patient is alerted to the fact that something is off by someone who hasn’t seen them in a while. […] The effects on patients’ lives are myriad: Pain: The monthly injections hurt. Disruption: Taking time off work, getting to the hospital/clinic and back, sitting in the waiting room, etc. It’s a chunk of nonproductive time that must be endured every single month.

• #44 Pediatric acromegaly (gigantism) – Children’s Health Endocrinology

  https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/acromegaly-gigantism

  Acromegaly, also known as growth hormone excess (gigantism), is a rare condition. It happens when the pituitary gland (tiny organ at the base of the brain) produces too much growth hormone and releases it into the bloodstream. […] In most cases, the condition affects adults, however, it can happen in children. Since children are still growing, excess growth hormone can cause their skeleton to grow very rapidly, leading to a condition called gigantism or unusually large size. […] What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric acromegaly (gigantism)? Early voice changes in boys, Enlarged facial features, Enlarged hands and feet, Enlarged organs (heart, liver, kidneys, etc.), Enlarged tongue, Enlarged vocal cords, Excessive sweating, Fatigue (extreme tiredness), Headaches, Joint pain, Large chest size (barrel chest), Oily or thick skin, Sinus problems and snoring, Skin tags (short, narrow flap of skin tissue), Vision problems.

• #45 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  The growth of the pituitary adenoma may compress local structures and cause neurological symptomatology and visual disturbances. […] The clinical manifestations of acromegaly include skin changes such as hyperhidrosis, oily skin, and unpleasant odor, which are due to the deposit of glycosaminoglycans. […] One of the most frequent clinical manifestations of acromegaly affects the joints, in approximately 70% of individuals at the time of diagnosis. […] Cardiovascular manifestations occur in 60% of patients. […] Acromegaly alters the structure of the respiratory apparatus and impairs respiratory function. […] Hyperprolactinemia with or without galactorrhea develops in approximately 30% of patients due to of pituitary stalk compression or mixed tumor secretion of GH and PRL. […] The gastrointestinal manifestations associated with acromegaly are colon carcinoma, adenomatous polyps, and dolichocolon.

• #46 Gigantism and Acromegaly – Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-disorders/gigantism-and-acromegaly

  Peripheral neuropathies occur commonly because of compression of nerves by adjacent fibrous tissue and endoneural fibrous proliferation. Headaches are common because of the pituitary tumor. Bitemporal hemianopia may develop if suprasellar extension compresses the optic chiasm. The heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, colon, and pancreas are larger than normal; thyroid enlargement may be generalized or multinodular. […] Cardiac disease (eg, coronary artery disease, cardiomegaly, valvular insufficiencies, sometimes cardiomyopathy) occurs in perhaps one third of patients, with a doubling in the risk of death due to cardiac disease. Hypertension occurs in up to one third of patients. […] Snoring is a common symptom, and obstructive sleep apnea occurs in 40 to 50% of patients.

• #47 Acromegaly | Brain Institute | OHSU

  https://www.ohsu.edu/brain-institute/acromegaly

  People with acromegaly often develop other medical conditions, such as: Carpal tunnel syndrome (stiffness and pain in the wrist that can cause finger numbness), High blood pressure, Heart and blood vessel disease, High blood sugar or diabetes, Noncancerous growths, or polyps, in the colon, Sleep apnea (interrupted breathing while you sleep), Vision problems. […] Long-term monitoring is also important. The hormonal imbalance caused by acromegaly can put you at risk for heart problems, colon growths and other conditions.

• #48 Acromegaly – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly

  Upon successful surgical treatment, headaches and visual symptoms tend to resolve. One exception is sleep apnea, which is present in around 70% of cases but does not tend to resolve with successful treatment of growth hormone level. […] While hypertension is a complication of 40% of cases, it typically responds well to regular regimens of blood pressure medication. […] Diabetes that occurs with acromegaly is treated with the typical medications, but successful lowering of growth hormone levels often alleviates symptoms of diabetes. […] Acromegaly is associated with a slightly elevated risk of cancer.

• #49 Acromegaly | Recordati Rare Diseases

  https://www.recordatirarediseases.com/patient-focus/acromegaly

  The first symptom of this disorder is the abnormal growth of the hands and feet and more generally an increase of the bones size. […] Because Acromegaly is uncommon and physical changes occur very slowly, the condition sometimes takes from 3 to 6 years to be diagnosed and can lead to severe complications such as severe damage to the joints and problems affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. […] With proper medical treatment, the progression of the disease can be halted or symptoms reduced. […] Patients with Acromegaly may develop the following signs and symptoms: hands and feet become larger and swollen you may notice a change in ring or shoe size, especially shoe width, lips, nose, and tongue become larger, Enlarged facial features, causing the bow and lower jaw to protrude, nasal bone enlargement and teeth space out, Oily, thickened and hairier skin, Excessive sweating, Deepening of the voice, Headaches, Problems with the vision, Heavy snoring, Daytime sleepiness.

• #50 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://patient.info/hormones/acromegaly-leaflet

  So, over time one or more of the following may develop: Your hands and feet may grow larger and broader, leading to an increase in glove and shoe sizes over time. It might become difficult to remove a wedding ring. Your skin may thicken particularly on the face, and become more greasy and sweaty. Changes to your face may include: thickened lips and nose, thickening of your scalp, your jaw becoming more prominent. These changes develop very gradually so may not be noticed by your family or friends. However, comparing old photographs to your current appearance may suggest your facial appearance has changed. Your dentist might notice that your teeth are spacing out or that they no longer align correctly when you bite down. Your vocal cords thicken which may cause your voice to deepen. Your tongue may become enlarged, which can lead to frequently biting it. Thickening of cartilage may cause joint pain and arthritis in various joints. Thickening of the nasal passages can make you snore loudly and may cause obstruction in airflow when you are asleep (sleep apnoea). This can make you have a poor night’s sleep and make you drowsy during the day. You may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a nerve in the wrist is squeezed by thickened tissue. This can cause pain, tingling and weakness in parts of the hands or arms. Women may experience irregular or missed periods.

• #51 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  The growth of the pituitary adenoma may compress local structures and cause neurological symptomatology and visual disturbances. […] The clinical manifestations of acromegaly include skin changes such as hyperhidrosis, oily skin, and unpleasant odor, which are due to the deposit of glycosaminoglycans. […] One of the most frequent clinical manifestations of acromegaly affects the joints, in approximately 70% of individuals at the time of diagnosis. […] Cardiovascular manifestations occur in 60% of patients. […] Acromegaly alters the structure of the respiratory apparatus and impairs respiratory function. […] Hyperprolactinemia with or without galactorrhea develops in approximately 30% of patients due to of pituitary stalk compression or mixed tumor secretion of GH and PRL. […] The gastrointestinal manifestations associated with acromegaly are colon carcinoma, adenomatous polyps, and dolichocolon.

• #52 Acromegaly: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17743-acromegaly

  If left untreated, acromegaly can cause the following complications: Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure (hypertension). Heart disease. Cardiomyopathy (disease of your heart muscle). Arthritis. Colon polyps, which can potentially turn into colon cancer if left untreated. Organ failure. […] Life expectancy for someone with acromegaly depends on the severity of the condition and if they have other health conditions, usually due to untreated acromegaly. If your growth hormone levels arent properly managed and you have other conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, your life expectancy may reduce by approximately 10 years.

• #53 Gigantism and Acromegaly – Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/gigantism-and-acromegaly

  The heart usually enlarges, and its function may be so severely impaired that heart failure occurs. Other organs in the body may be enlarged. […] Sometimes a person feels disturbing sensations and weakness in the arms and legs as enlarging tissues compress the nerves. Nerves that carry messages from the eyes to the brain may also be compressed, causing loss of vision, particularly in the outer visual fields. The pressure on the brain may also cause severe headaches. […] There is also an increased likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure (hypertension), sleep apnea, and certain tumors, particularly affecting the large intestine, which may become cancerous. Life expectancy is reduced in people with untreated acromegaly.

• #54 Acromegaly

  https://www.massgeneral.org/condition/acromegaly

  Arthritis […] Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. […] Osteoporosis […] High blood pressure […] Vision problems […] Decreased function of the ovaries and testes as well as other organs that rely on normal pituitary cells for stimulation. […] The disease also raises your risk for colon polyps. These are small growths on the lining of your colon. They may lead to colorectal cancer. […] If not treated, acromegaly can lead to heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, vision problems, high blood pressure, or even death.

• #55 Acromegaly – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly

  Upon successful surgical treatment, headaches and visual symptoms tend to resolve. One exception is sleep apnea, which is present in around 70% of cases but does not tend to resolve with successful treatment of growth hormone level. […] While hypertension is a complication of 40% of cases, it typically responds well to regular regimens of blood pressure medication. […] Diabetes that occurs with acromegaly is treated with the typical medications, but successful lowering of growth hormone levels often alleviates symptoms of diabetes. […] Acromegaly is associated with a slightly elevated risk of cancer.

• #56 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://patient.info/hormones/acromegaly-leaflet

  Other effects of too much growth hormone may include: General tiredness. Some muscle weakness. About half of people with acromegaly also develop diabetes because growth hormone stops insulin from working properly. High blood pressure. This develops in about one in three people. Increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This is probably because of the increased risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. […] Acromegaly is caused by an overproduction of a hormone called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which comes from the hypothalamus in the brain. This stimulates the cells in the pituitary gland to produce too much growth hormone. […] In many cases, the tumour is very small and does not cause symptoms just by its size. However, in some cases, the tumour grows enough to press on the nearby tissues inside the skull. This can lead to: Headaches. Problems with vision. The tumour may press on the optic nerves (the nerves going from the eyes to the brain) which are just next to the pituitary gland. Other normal cells in the pituitary gland may become squashed and damaged. As a result, the pituitary gland may stop being able to produce some other hormones. This can cause an underactive thyroid gland and/or an underactive adrenal gland (small glands above each kidney), which can cause various other symptoms.

• #57 Acromegaly

  https://www.massgeneral.org/condition/acromegaly

  Arthritis […] Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. […] Osteoporosis […] High blood pressure […] Vision problems […] Decreased function of the ovaries and testes as well as other organs that rely on normal pituitary cells for stimulation. […] The disease also raises your risk for colon polyps. These are small growths on the lining of your colon. They may lead to colorectal cancer. […] If not treated, acromegaly can lead to heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, vision problems, high blood pressure, or even death.

• #58 Acromegaly – Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor | UCLA Health

  https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/neurosurgery/pituitary-skull-base-tumor/conditions/pituitary-adenomas/acromegaly

  Serious conditions related to longstanding, untreated acromegaly, include: High blood pressure, Diabetes mellitus (adult-onset or Type 2), Heart disease, including heart failure due to heart enlargement. […] If a pituitary growth hormone producing tumor develops in childhood before bone growth is completed, gigantism results. Pituitary giants can grow over seven feet tall. […] Macroadenomas that grow upward into the brain cavity can compress the optic chiasm. Vision problems can include: A loss of the outer peripheral vision, called a bitemporal hemianopsia. […] Compression of the normal gland can cause hormone insufficiency, called hypopituitarism. The symptoms depend upon which hormone is involved. […] More severe hypopituitarism can lead to hypothyroidism or abnormally low cortisol levels, which may be life threatening. Symptoms of severe hypopituitarism include: Loss of appetite, Weight loss or weight gain, Fatigue, Decreased energy, Decreased mental function, Dizziness.

• #59 Acromegaly : Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment : CUN

  https://www.cun.es/en/diseases-treatments/diseases/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is one of the so-called „rare diseases”. Most cases occur in middle-aged people and are usually diagnosed 10 to 15 years after the onset of symptoms, because the symptoms are slow and progressive. […] The patient with acromegaly usually has an enlarged hand and foot, thick lips, altered facial features, enlarged jaw and forehead, and widely spaced teeth. […] The most common symptoms of acromegaly are: Enlarged hands and feet, Alteration of facial features, Spaced teeth, Hyper-sweating, Enlargement of the heart. […] Apart from the changes in the physiognomy, headache is very common, and if the pituitary tumor is large, it can compress the optical pathways and cause visual difficulties. […] It is frequent that high blood pressure, elevation of cholesterol, glucose in blood or diabetes mellitus appear. Cardiac arrhythmias or alterations in the functioning of the heart valves may also occur. […] Delayed diagnosis of acromegaly can lead to „serious” complications in patients. Sometimes, the symptoms are identified with normal changes in aging, thus favoring its under-diagnosis.

• #60 Gigantism: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22954-gigantism

  Long-term complications that some people with gigantism might experience due to excessive height and the overall effects of excess growth hormone include: Mobility issues due to muscle weakness. Osteoarthritis. Peripheral neuropathy. Sleep apnea. Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) and heart valve issues. Metabolic complications such as Type 2 diabetes.

• #61 Gigantism and Acromegaly – Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-disorders/gigantism-and-acromegaly

  Impaired glucose tolerance occurs in nearly half the patients with acromegaly and in gigantism, but clinically significant diabetes mellitus occurs in only about 10% of patients. […] Galactorrhea occurs in some women with acromegaly, usually in association with hyperprolactinemia. However, galactorrhea may occur with GH excess alone, because GH itself stimulates lactation. Decreased gonadotropin secretion often occurs with GH-secreting tumors. About one third of men with acromegaly develop erectile dysfunction, and nearly all women develop menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea.

• #62 Symptoms and Causes | Acromegaly | Seeing Differences

  https://seeingdifferences.co.uk/symptomsandcauses

  Acromegaly usually occurs in middle aged adults, but it can happen at any stage. It progresses slowly meaning on average it takes 8 years for diagnosis and you may not notice the symptoms right away. […] The most common symptoms include enlargement of the hands, feet and face, but long-term implications if left untreated may include diabetes and heart failure. […] Changes to vision may be caused by pressure on the optic nerve caused by the pituitary adenoma. […] Sweaty / greasy skin is caused by over secretion of sebaceous glands and sweat glands. […] Excess growth hormone (GH) stimulates glucose and fat production, leading to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). […] Increased growth hormone (GH) can lead to erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive. […] Changes to the face may cause the brow bone and lower jaw to protrude, and the nose and lips to get larger.

• #63 Acromegaly

  https://www.massgeneral.org/condition/acromegaly

  Arthritis […] Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. […] Osteoporosis […] High blood pressure […] Vision problems […] Decreased function of the ovaries and testes as well as other organs that rely on normal pituitary cells for stimulation. […] The disease also raises your risk for colon polyps. These are small growths on the lining of your colon. They may lead to colorectal cancer. […] If not treated, acromegaly can lead to heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, vision problems, high blood pressure, or even death.

• #64 Acromegaly: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/227796

  If the hands and feet swell and grow to a larger size, this can be an early sign of acromegaly. […] Removing the tumor should lead to a fall in growth hormone levels. However, even if the tumor is successfully removed, hormone levels may not return to normal, and additional therapies may be necessary. […] Conventional radiation therapy is given 5 days a week, for up to 6 weeks, but it may take up to 10 years for growth hormone levels to return to normal. […] If not treated, acromegaly can have a serious effect on a person’s health.

• #65 Acromegaly – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly

  Enlargement of the hands, feet, forehead, jaw, and nose, thicker skin, deepening of the voice. […] The initial symptom is typically enlargement of the hands and feet. There may also be an enlargement of the forehead, jaw, and nose. Other symptoms may include joint pain, thicker skin, deepening of the voice, headaches, and problems with vision. […] Complications of the disease may include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. […] Life expectancy of people with acromegaly is dependent on how early the disease is detected. Life expectancy after the successful treatment of early disease is equal to that of the general population. Acromegaly can often go on for years before diagnosis, resulting in poorer outcome, and it is suggested that the better the growth hormone is controlled, the better the outcome.

• #66 Acromegaly – Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor | UCLA Health

  https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/neurosurgery/pituitary-skull-base-tumor/conditions/pituitary-adenomas/acromegaly

  Serious conditions related to longstanding, untreated acromegaly, include: High blood pressure, Diabetes mellitus (adult-onset or Type 2), Heart disease, including heart failure due to heart enlargement. […] If a pituitary growth hormone producing tumor develops in childhood before bone growth is completed, gigantism results. Pituitary giants can grow over seven feet tall. […] Macroadenomas that grow upward into the brain cavity can compress the optic chiasm. Vision problems can include: A loss of the outer peripheral vision, called a bitemporal hemianopsia. […] Compression of the normal gland can cause hormone insufficiency, called hypopituitarism. The symptoms depend upon which hormone is involved. […] More severe hypopituitarism can lead to hypothyroidism or abnormally low cortisol levels, which may be life threatening. Symptoms of severe hypopituitarism include: Loss of appetite, Weight loss or weight gain, Fatigue, Decreased energy, Decreased mental function, Dizziness.

• #67 Acromegaly | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a rare disorder that affects adults and is caused by overproduction of growth hormone. […] Signs of acromegaly include changes to facial features, enlarged lips or tongue and enlarged hands and feet. […] The main signs of acromegaly are: changes to facial features, such as a broadening nose, enlarging jaw and more widely spaced teeth, enlarged lips or tongue, enlarged hands and feet. […] A pituitary tumour can also cause a range of other problems, such as: carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness or burning in the hands or feet, high blood sugar levels and diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, arthritis, headaches or vision problems, thick oily skin, with excessive sweating, sleep apnoea, tiredness or fatigue. […] The changes that happen in acromegaly may develop slowly, so it may take some time to notice them and to get medical advice. […] It might not be possible to reverse all changes to the shape and size of your bones caused by the acromegaly, even with treatment. Many people, however, notice their body gradually returns to normal over time.

• #68 Gigantism and Acromegaly – Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-disorders/gigantism-and-acromegaly

  Impaired glucose tolerance occurs in nearly half the patients with acromegaly and in gigantism, but clinically significant diabetes mellitus occurs in only about 10% of patients. […] Galactorrhea occurs in some women with acromegaly, usually in association with hyperprolactinemia. However, galactorrhea may occur with GH excess alone, because GH itself stimulates lactation. Decreased gonadotropin secretion often occurs with GH-secreting tumors. About one third of men with acromegaly develop erectile dysfunction, and nearly all women develop menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea.

• #69 Acromegaly | UVA Health

  https://uvahealth.com/services/benign-brain-tumor/acromegaly

  Symptoms and signs are not always obvious. So diagnosis is usually delayed 10-15 years after the condition develops. The average age at diagnosis is 40-45 years. […] Many acromegaly symptoms improve, and you can eventually sleep better and discontinue taking medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. This usually takes weeks to months. […] Symptoms and complications in adults may include the following: Abnormally large growth and deformity of the: Hands, Feet, Face (protrusion of brow and lower jaw), Jaw (overbite such that lower teeth close in front of upper teeth), Lips, Tongue (causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea), Sinuses, vocal cords and soft tissues of the throat larynx (causing deep sonorous voice). […] In women, symptoms may also include: Irregular menstrual cycles. […] In men, symptoms may also include: Erectile dysfunction, in about 50% of cases.

• #70 Acromegaly Explained

  https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/symptoms-and-conditions/acromegaly

  Some symptoms of acromegaly differ between males and females (assigned at birth). In males, acromegaly may manifest as decreased libido. Females with the condition may experience abnormal breast milk production, known as galactorrhea. However, this only occurs if the tumor produces another hormone called prolactin. Acromegaly may also cause delayed menstrual cycles. […] Acromegaly can cause health complications that lead to other conditions, such as heart disease and arthritis. […] Acromegaly is treatable in most situations. However, without treatment, the condition can lead to complications that may increase the mortality rate. […] In general, mortality increased during the 20 years of follow-up, particularly in females. However, the causes of death typically resulted from complications associated with acromegaly, such as cancer and cardiovascular deaths.

• #71 Acromegaly Patient Information Fact Sheet – MPR

  https://www.empr.com/home/tools/patient-fact-sheets/acromegaly-patient-information-fact-sheet/

  Acromegaly is a disease of the pituitary gland (a small gland found at the base of your brain) that causes too much growth hormone (somatotropin) to be produced. […] Sometimes, the first symptoms of acromegaly are tiredness and sleep disturbance. There is no increase in height in acromegaly, but thickening of the bones causes enlargement of the head, and in particular the lower jaw. In addition, the hands and feet widen and the fingers become much broader. Increased cartilage growth can increase the size of the nose and ears, while increased cartilage growth in the chest can result in an increased chest girth. Overgrowth of the larynx (voice box) may cause the voice to deepen and the skin may become thicker and coarser in texture. […] Growth of a pituitary tumor increases pressure within the skull and can cause headaches and visual disturbances. In addition, around a third of people with acromegaly go on to develop diabetes. […] In people with acromegaly, the rest of the pituitary gland may become underactive, resulting in decreased levels of these hormones. This can cause symptoms such as diminished sexual function, loss of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), and symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland.

• #72 Acromegaly » Global Autoimmune Institute

  https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/autoimmune-resources/autoimmune-diseases-list/acromegaly/

  Overproduction of growth hormones by the pituitary gland that takes place during adulthood, resulting in excessive growth in the bones of the hands, feet, and face. […] Slow progression may cause delays in the process of recognizing or diagnosing the disease. […] Common Symptoms: Enlarged hands/feet, changes in face shape (protruding lower jaw/brow bone, enlarged nose, thickened lips, wider spacing between teeth), coarse, thickened, or oily skin, excessive sweating, body odor, skin tags, fatigue, joint/muscle weakness or pain, limited mobility, deeper/huskier voice, severe snorting (from obstructed upper airway), vision issues, headaches, irregularities in menstrual cycles, erectile dysfunction, and a loss of interest in sex.

• #73 Acromegaly: Symptoms and Causes | Tampa General Hospital

  https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/acromegaly

  Acromegaly symptoms can vary from one person to another. […] One of the hallmark signs of acromegaly is enlargement of the hands and feet, so its important to pay attention to any changes in how your rings and shoes fit. Acromegaly can also alter the shape of the face, often leading to a prominent forehead, an enlarged nose, thick lips, gapped teeth and a protruding lower jawbone. Other symptoms commonly associated with acromegaly include: Headache, Joint pain, Muscle weakness, Limited mobility, Spinal cord issues, Numbness within the hands, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Excessive sweating, Oily, thickened skin, Increased body odor, Skin tags, Vision problems, Deepened voice, Sleep apnea, Fatigue, Low sex drive, Erectile dysfunction (in men), Irregular menstrual cycles (in women). […] Because pituitary adenomas tend to grow slowly, resulting acromegaly symptoms often develop gradually over the course of many years, which can make the disorder difficult to recognize. If you think you might have acromegaly, its important to promptly consult with a professional, since failing to treat this condition can lead to complications including arthritis, cardiomyopathy, colon polyps, goiters, heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, organ failure and Type 2 diabetes.

• #74 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  The growth of the pituitary adenoma may compress local structures and cause neurological symptomatology and visual disturbances. […] The clinical manifestations of acromegaly include skin changes such as hyperhidrosis, oily skin, and unpleasant odor, which are due to the deposit of glycosaminoglycans. […] One of the most frequent clinical manifestations of acromegaly affects the joints, in approximately 70% of individuals at the time of diagnosis. […] Cardiovascular manifestations occur in 60% of patients. […] Acromegaly alters the structure of the respiratory apparatus and impairs respiratory function. […] Hyperprolactinemia with or without galactorrhea develops in approximately 30% of patients due to of pituitary stalk compression or mixed tumor secretion of GH and PRL. […] The gastrointestinal manifestations associated with acromegaly are colon carcinoma, adenomatous polyps, and dolichocolon.

• #75 Acromegaly – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/symptoms-causes/syc-20351222

  Symptoms of acromegaly include an enlarged face and hands. Changes to the face may cause the brow bone and lower jaw to jut out, and the nose and lips to get larger. […] These changes happen slowly over many years. So people with acromegaly and their loved ones may take a long time to notice the symptoms. […] Most often, people with acromegaly don’t have every possible body change. And because the changes come on slowly, they may take years to notice. But over time, rings may no longer fit fingers like they used to. Or shoe size may get bigger. […] Other acromegaly symptoms can include vision troubles, including loss of side vision, more sweating and body odor than is typical, extreme tiredness, headaches, joint pain, and a deeper voice. […] Without treatment, acromegaly can lead to other serious and sometimes life-threatening health conditions called complications. But treatments such as surgery, medicine and radiation can lower the risk of complications. Treatment also can improve many acromegaly symptoms.

• #76 Acromegaly | UVA Health

  https://uvahealth.com/services/benign-brain-tumor/acromegaly

  Symptoms and signs are not always obvious. So diagnosis is usually delayed 10-15 years after the condition develops. The average age at diagnosis is 40-45 years. […] Many acromegaly symptoms improve, and you can eventually sleep better and discontinue taking medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. This usually takes weeks to months. […] Symptoms and complications in adults may include the following: Abnormally large growth and deformity of the: Hands, Feet, Face (protrusion of brow and lower jaw), Jaw (overbite such that lower teeth close in front of upper teeth), Lips, Tongue (causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea), Sinuses, vocal cords and soft tissues of the throat larynx (causing deep sonorous voice). […] In women, symptoms may also include: Irregular menstrual cycles. […] In men, symptoms may also include: Erectile dysfunction, in about 50% of cases.

• #77 Acromegaly Symptoms | Expert Surgeon | Aaron Cohen-Gadol, MD

  https://www.aaroncohen-gadol.com/en/patients/acromegaly/types/symptoms

  The symptoms of acromegaly can vary to a large degree from patient to patient. […] Early recognition of symptoms is the first step towards treatment and preventing worsening of the condition. […] Changes in body shape, such as enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features, are often the first signs that lead to diagnosis. […] Enlargement of the hands and feet occurs in approximately 95% of people diagnosed with acromegaly. […] Due to the complex and slowly progressing nature of symptoms, the duration between symptom onset and diagnosis is frequently reported in years. […] Acromegaly, if left untreated or poorly managed, can lead to various complications ranging from heart disease to arthritis. […] Acromegaly symptoms typically develop slowly over time, which makes them difficult for many patients to notice until later stages. […] The symptoms of acromegaly can vary significantly among patients.

• #78 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

  https://www.healthline.com/health/acromegaly

  The symptoms of acromegaly can be difficult to detect since they usually develop slowly over time. […] Common symptoms of acromegaly are: enlarged bones in the face, feet, and hands, excessive hair growth in women, an enlarged jaw or tongue, a prominent brow, excessive growth spurts, which are more common in people who’ve had abnormal growth before adolescence, weight gain, swollen and painful joints that limit movement, spaces between the teeth, splayed fingers and toes, a hoarse, deep voice, fatigue, headaches, an inability to sleep, muscle weakness, profuse sweating, body odor, enlarged sebaceous glands, which are glands that produce oils in the skin, thickened skin, skin tags, which are noncancerous growths. […] Acromegaly can start any time after puberty. However, it occurs more often in middle age. People aren’t always aware of their condition. Changes to the body may take place slowly over the course of many years. […] The outlook for people with acromegaly is usually positive if the condition is discovered in the early stages. Surgery to remove pituitary tumors is usually successful. Treatment may also help keep acromegaly from having long-term effects.

• #79 Acromegaly – Pituitary Foundation

  https://www.pituitary.org.uk/information/acromegaly/

  Acromegaly usually develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, but symptoms can appear at any age. […] The diagnosis is often delayed as the symptoms develop gradually over time, and anyone with the condition may not notice the changes. People may have had acromegaly for several years before the condition is recognised.

• #80 Acromegaly – Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor | UCLA Health

  https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/neurosurgery/pituitary-skull-base-tumor/conditions/pituitary-adenomas/acromegaly

  Acromegaly typically presents in adulthood. Because the physical changes occur so slowly, it can take an average of seven to eight years before the condition is diagnosed. […] A pituitary tumor that secretes an excessive amount of GH causes changes in the body that lead to disfigurement. If the disfigurement severely affects the internal organs, it could lead to death. […] Abnormal enlargement of the hands and feet. […] Changes in facial features, sometimes quite prominent, including: Enlargement of forehead and jaw, widening the spaces between teeth and enlarging tongue. […] Deepening of the voice in males. […] Skin changes, including: Increased number of skin tags, Oily skin and excessive sweating. […] Carpal tunnel syndrome, due to increase tissue in the wrists, leading to nerve compression.

• #81 Acromegaly Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/acromegaly/article_em.htm

  Enlargement of the hands and feet is one of the most common signs of the disease. […] Other effects include enlargement of jaw and other facial bones; overgrowth of bone and cartilage in the joints, causing arthritis, back pain, and curvature of the spine (kyphosis); swelling of the face, lips, and tongue; breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea); thickening of the skin; carpal tunnel and other nerve entrapment syndromes; and enlargement of body organs such as the heart, thyroid gland (goiter), liver, and kidneys. […] Development of symptoms in acromegaly is often slow and gradual. It may be so gradual that symptoms go unnoticed for years or even decades. […] The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is 12 years. […] Symptoms can be divided into 2 groups: those that are effects of the tumor pressing on surrounding tissues and those caused by excess growth hormone and IGF-1 in the blood.

• #82 Acromegaly Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Patient Resources

  https://crinetics.com/acromegaly-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-resources-2/

  A variety of symptoms can occur. Because of the somatic growth caused by excessive amounts of IGF-1, some patients can appear considerably older than their chronological age. Common changes in facial appearance can include a larger nose, fuller lips, a protruding lower jaw and brow, more numerous skin folds, and a general appearance of being unwell. […] Progression of acromegaly can result in other major health problems, which may include: cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis, goiter, colon polyps, sleep apnea, carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal cord compression. […] Often, the patient is alerted to the fact that something is off by someone who hasn’t seen them in a while. […] The effects on patients’ lives are myriad: Pain: The monthly injections hurt. Disruption: Taking time off work, getting to the hospital/clinic and back, sitting in the waiting room, etc. It’s a chunk of nonproductive time that must be endured every single month.

• #83 Not Recognizing Acromegaly Symptoms Delays Diagnosis

  https://yeditepehastaneleri.com/en/health-guide/diseases-treatments/what-acromegaly-disease

  Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist said that although acromegaly disease has very distinct symptoms and signs, the diagnosis of the disease is made late and pointed out that in studies, the period from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis is delayed up to 5-10 years. […] Our specialist explained that the most important reason for late diagnosis is the slow progression of the disease and the slow emergence of symptoms, and that patients and their relatives cannot notice especially the physical changes, and gave the following information: One of the most effective ways to notice the symptoms is to look at old photos. […] According to the information given by our expert, excessive secretion of growth hormone leads to excessive growth in the tissues and organs in the body. […] Stating that there were also changes in the patient’s physical appearance, our specialist continued as follows: „In adults, coarsening of facial features, prominence in the chin and forehead, separation of teeth, deepening of the voice, snoring and sleep apnea syndrome due to overgrowth of the soft tissues in the tongue and upper palate, impaired sexual functions.” Symptoms such as decrease, muscle-joint pain due to excessive growth in bones and muscles, and excessive sweating are common. „In addition, headaches and visual disturbances may occur due to the pressure effect of the pituitary gland tumor.”

• #84 Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://patient.info/hormones/acromegaly-leaflet

  So, over time one or more of the following may develop: Your hands and feet may grow larger and broader, leading to an increase in glove and shoe sizes over time. It might become difficult to remove a wedding ring. Your skin may thicken particularly on the face, and become more greasy and sweaty. Changes to your face may include: thickened lips and nose, thickening of your scalp, your jaw becoming more prominent. These changes develop very gradually so may not be noticed by your family or friends. However, comparing old photographs to your current appearance may suggest your facial appearance has changed. Your dentist might notice that your teeth are spacing out or that they no longer align correctly when you bite down. Your vocal cords thicken which may cause your voice to deepen. Your tongue may become enlarged, which can lead to frequently biting it. Thickening of cartilage may cause joint pain and arthritis in various joints. Thickening of the nasal passages can make you snore loudly and may cause obstruction in airflow when you are asleep (sleep apnoea). This can make you have a poor night’s sleep and make you drowsy during the day. You may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a nerve in the wrist is squeezed by thickened tissue. This can cause pain, tingling and weakness in parts of the hands or arms. Women may experience irregular or missed periods.

• #85 Acromegaly | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/acromegaly?content_id=CON-20155765

  Symptoms of acromegaly include an enlarged face and hands. Changes to the face may cause the brow bone and lower jaw to jut out, and the nose and lips to get larger. […] These changes happen slowly over many years. So people with acromegaly and their loved ones may take a long time to notice the symptoms. […] Acromegaly symptoms can change the way some body parts look. Changes can include thick ears and lips, a broad nose, enlarged hands and feet, a jutting brow or jaw, gaps between teeth, an enlarged tongue, and an expanded rib cage that may cause the chest to have a round shape. […] Most often, people with acromegaly don’t have every possible body change. And because the changes come on slowly, they may take years to notice. […] Other acromegaly symptoms can include vision troubles, including loss of side vision, more sweating and body odor than is typical, extreme tiredness, headaches, joint pain, and a deeper voice.

• #86 Acromegaly | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands and feet. […] The symptoms and signs of acromegaly can include: swelling of soft tissue in the hands and feet (onset signs), enlarged bones in the skull, face, jaw, hands and feet, joint pains, pins and needles in the hands, headaches, gaps forming between the teeth, which may cause a bad bite, barrel chest, enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), thick and oily skin and strong body odour, growth of skin tags, overgrowth of hair, husky voice, enlarged tongue and lips, snoring or drooling while asleep, heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis), vision changes, such as loss of peripheral (side) vision. […] The progression of acromegaly depends on the secretion activity and size of the tumour. In general, acromegaly progresses faster and more aggressively in people who develop a pituitary tumour early in adult life.

• #87 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  Acromegaly and gigantism are due to excess GH production, usually as a result of a pituitary adenoma. […] Clinical manifestations in each patient depend on the levels of GH and IGF-I, age, tumor size, and the delay in diagnosis. […] The manifestations of acromegaly are varied, including acral and soft tissue overgrowth, joint pain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart and respiratory failure. […] The typical features of acromegaly slowly develop over years; around 40% of acromegalic patients are diagnosed by internists, ophthalmologists if they have visual disturbances, dentists due to maxillary teeth separation, mandibular prognathism, and overbite, gynecologists due to menstrual irregularities and infertility, rheumatologists if they suffer from joint problems, or pulmonologist if they have obstructive sleep apnea.

• #88 Acromegaly | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands and feet. […] The symptoms and signs of acromegaly can include: swelling of soft tissue in the hands and feet (onset signs), enlarged bones in the skull, face, jaw, hands and feet, joint pains, pins and needles in the hands, headaches, gaps forming between the teeth, which may cause a bad bite, barrel chest, enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), thick and oily skin and strong body odour, growth of skin tags, overgrowth of hair, husky voice, enlarged tongue and lips, snoring or drooling while asleep, heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis), vision changes, such as loss of peripheral (side) vision. […] The progression of acromegaly depends on the secretion activity and size of the tumour. In general, acromegaly progresses faster and more aggressively in people who develop a pituitary tumour early in adult life.

• #89 Acromegaly Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Patient Resources

  https://crinetics.com/acromegaly-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-resources-2/

  Treatment goals begin with reducing mortality and increasing quality of life by: reversing or reducing the severity/number of signs and symptoms, managing other diseases or conditions the patient may also have, restoring hormone levels to normal ranges with medical therapies, controlling tumor mass, maintaining optimum function of the pituitary gland. […] At the time of detection, two-thirds of cases are macroadenomas. This may relate to diagnostic delays and poses challenges in the surgical management of these tumors. An endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the tumor often reverses vision problems and restores normal hormone balance. In some cases, the surgeon is unable to remove the entire tumor, which could require further medical or radiation treatments. The remission rate of these macroadenomas is 48.6%.

• #90 Gigantism: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22954-gigantism

  The most common cause of gigantism is a benign (noncancerous) tumor on your child’s pituitary gland (a pituitary adenoma) that releases excess growth hormone (GH). Children with gigantism almost always have large pituitary tumors called macroadenomas (a pituitary adenoma that’s 10 millimeters in diameter or larger) at diagnosis. […] Gigantism can occur as a part of several rare genetic disorders that lead to an increased risk of developing GH-secreting pituitary tumors. […] The prognosis (outlook) for children and adolescents diagnosed with gigantism depends on several factors, including: How early or late they’re diagnosed. How effective treatment is at managing growth hormone levels. If they develop complications related to gigantism. […] Early diagnosis and treatment of gigantism are crucial to prevent excessive height and associated complications and improve life expectancy.

• #91 Acromegaly | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands and feet. […] The symptoms and signs of acromegaly can include: swelling of soft tissue in the hands and feet (onset signs), enlarged bones in the skull, face, jaw, hands and feet, joint pains, pins and needles in the hands, headaches, gaps forming between the teeth, which may cause a bad bite, barrel chest, enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), thick and oily skin and strong body odour, growth of skin tags, overgrowth of hair, husky voice, enlarged tongue and lips, snoring or drooling while asleep, heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis), vision changes, such as loss of peripheral (side) vision. […] The progression of acromegaly depends on the secretion activity and size of the tumour. In general, acromegaly progresses faster and more aggressively in people who develop a pituitary tumour early in adult life.

• #92 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  Acromegaly and gigantism are due to excess GH production, usually as a result of a pituitary adenoma. […] Clinical manifestations in each patient depend on the levels of GH and IGF-I, age, tumor size, and the delay in diagnosis. […] The manifestations of acromegaly are varied, including acral and soft tissue overgrowth, joint pain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart and respiratory failure. […] The typical features of acromegaly slowly develop over years; around 40% of acromegalic patients are diagnosed by internists, ophthalmologists if they have visual disturbances, dentists due to maxillary teeth separation, mandibular prognathism, and overbite, gynecologists due to menstrual irregularities and infertility, rheumatologists if they suffer from joint problems, or pulmonologist if they have obstructive sleep apnea.

• #93 Acromegaly: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17743-acromegaly

  If left untreated, acromegaly can cause the following complications: Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure (hypertension). Heart disease. Cardiomyopathy (disease of your heart muscle). Arthritis. Colon polyps, which can potentially turn into colon cancer if left untreated. Organ failure. […] Life expectancy for someone with acromegaly depends on the severity of the condition and if they have other health conditions, usually due to untreated acromegaly. If your growth hormone levels arent properly managed and you have other conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, your life expectancy may reduce by approximately 10 years.

• #94 Acromegaly – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly

  Enlargement of the hands, feet, forehead, jaw, and nose, thicker skin, deepening of the voice. […] The initial symptom is typically enlargement of the hands and feet. There may also be an enlargement of the forehead, jaw, and nose. Other symptoms may include joint pain, thicker skin, deepening of the voice, headaches, and problems with vision. […] Complications of the disease may include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. […] Life expectancy of people with acromegaly is dependent on how early the disease is detected. Life expectancy after the successful treatment of early disease is equal to that of the general population. Acromegaly can often go on for years before diagnosis, resulting in poorer outcome, and it is suggested that the better the growth hormone is controlled, the better the outcome.

• #95 Acromegaly | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/acromegaly?content_id=CON-20155765

  Without treatment, acromegaly can lead to other serious and sometimes life-threatening health conditions called complications. […] Early treatment of acromegaly can prevent these complications or keep them from becoming worse. Without treatment, acromegaly and its complications can lead to early death.

• #96 Acromegaly: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17743-acromegaly

  If left untreated, acromegaly can cause the following complications: Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure (hypertension). Heart disease. Cardiomyopathy (disease of your heart muscle). Arthritis. Colon polyps, which can potentially turn into colon cancer if left untreated. Organ failure. […] Life expectancy for someone with acromegaly depends on the severity of the condition and if they have other health conditions, usually due to untreated acromegaly. If your growth hormone levels arent properly managed and you have other conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, your life expectancy may reduce by approximately 10 years.

• #97 Patient education: Acromegaly (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acromegaly-beyond-the-basics/print

  Excessive growth of soft tissue, cartilage, and bone in the face, hands, and feet are the most prominent symptoms of acromegaly. […] The hands and feet enlarge, often requiring larger rings, gloves, and shoes. Overgrowth of tissues in the wrist can compress nerves to the hands, leading to tingling or pain in the fingers, called carpal tunnel syndrome. […] The incidence of heart disease is increased, likely due to enlargement of the heart muscle, which impairs its functioning and if untreated leads to heart failure. […] Life expectancy may be reduced by approximately 10 years, especially when growth hormone levels are uncontrolled, and diabetes and heart disease are present. Patients who are successfully treated for acromegaly and whose growth hormone and IGF-1 levels fall to normal generally have a normal life expectancy. […] If the pituitary adenoma becomes large, the increased pressure on surrounding structures can cause problems due to compression of local structures. If the adenoma grows upward, it may stretch the nerves to the eyes, impairing vision, especially with peripheral vision.

• #98 Acromegaly – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly

  Enlargement of the hands, feet, forehead, jaw, and nose, thicker skin, deepening of the voice. […] The initial symptom is typically enlargement of the hands and feet. There may also be an enlargement of the forehead, jaw, and nose. Other symptoms may include joint pain, thicker skin, deepening of the voice, headaches, and problems with vision. […] Complications of the disease may include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. […] Life expectancy of people with acromegaly is dependent on how early the disease is detected. Life expectancy after the successful treatment of early disease is equal to that of the general population. Acromegaly can often go on for years before diagnosis, resulting in poorer outcome, and it is suggested that the better the growth hormone is controlled, the better the outcome.

• #99 Acromegaly – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/acromegaly

  Symptoms of acromegaly can vary from person to person. Common changes in physical appearance include hands and feet become larger and swollenyou may notice a change in ring or shoe size, especially shoe width […] Other common symptoms include headaches, joint aches, vision problems. […] Untreated, acromegaly can lead to serious health problems and early death. But when successfully treated, symptoms generally improve and may go away altogether. Life expectancy may return to normal.

• #100 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  Acromegaly is an insidious disease, which is often diagnosed late (between 4 and more than 10 years after onset). […] It has been suggested that the mortality rate in patients with acromegaly is correlated with the degree of control of GH. […] The prognosis of acromegaly has improved in recent years, and adequate hormonal disease control is achieved in most cases, allowing life expectancy similar to that of the general population.

• #101 Acromegaly

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acromegaly/

  Symptoms of acromegaly can develop slowly. They may include: swollen hands and feet […] You usually get acromegaly between the ages of 30 and 50 years old, but you can get symptoms at any age. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop symptoms getting worse. Treatment usually stops your body producing too much growth hormone and usually improves your symptoms.

• #102 Acromegaly (Growth Hormone–Secreting Pituitary Adenomas) | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/pituitary-tumors/pituitary-adenomas/growth-hormone-producing-tumors

  Acromegaly (called gigantism in children) is a rare condition in which the whole body or parts of the body, particularly the hands and feet, grow larger than normal. More than 95 percent of all cases of acromegaly are the result of a growth hormonesecreting pituitary adenoma. […] Among the most serious symptoms of acromegaly are type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. […] Many tumors are not found until after they have grown large enough to cause disturbances in vision as the tumor presses on the nearby optic nerves. […] Other symptoms of acromegaly may include: abnormal growth of the skull, hands, and feet; deepening of the voice; a change in the appearance of the face as facial bones grow; an increase in spacing between the teeth as the jawbone grows (acromegaly is sometimes first noticed during a routine visit to the dentist); increased sweating; frequent kidney stones; headaches. […] The exact cause of growth hormonesecreting tumors is unknown, but acromegaly resulting from a pituitary adenoma is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged adults. […] Most GH-secreting adenomas are benign (not cancer), though in rare cases, they can become cancerous.

• #103 Acromegaly – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly

  Enlargement of the hands, feet, forehead, jaw, and nose, thicker skin, deepening of the voice. […] The initial symptom is typically enlargement of the hands and feet. There may also be an enlargement of the forehead, jaw, and nose. Other symptoms may include joint pain, thicker skin, deepening of the voice, headaches, and problems with vision. […] Complications of the disease may include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. […] Life expectancy of people with acromegaly is dependent on how early the disease is detected. Life expectancy after the successful treatment of early disease is equal to that of the general population. Acromegaly can often go on for years before diagnosis, resulting in poorer outcome, and it is suggested that the better the growth hormone is controlled, the better the outcome.

• #104 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Acromegaly

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296170/

  Acromegaly is an insidious disease, which is often diagnosed late (between 4 and more than 10 years after onset). […] It has been suggested that the mortality rate in patients with acromegaly is correlated with the degree of control of GH. […] The prognosis of acromegaly has improved in recent years, and adequate hormonal disease control is achieved in most cases, allowing life expectancy similar to that of the general population.

• #105 Acromegaly – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351226

  Acromegaly treatment aims to improve symptoms and treat or prevent complications. The goal is to lower growth hormone and IGF-1 back to their proper levels and keep them there. […] It’s common for some changes in physical features to improve with treatment. For example, swelling of soft tissue often goes down. And the skin often becomes less oily and coarse. But enlarged bones don’t return to the size that they used to be. […] Radiation therapy destroys any leftover tumor cells after surgery to remove the tumor. It also slowly lowers the level of growth hormone. It may take months or years for radiation to improve acromegaly symptoms in ways that you notice. […] Have you noticed any changes in how you look? […] How much would you say your features have changed over time? Do you have old photos I can use for comparison?

• #106 Acromegaly Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/acromegaly/article_em.htm

  Symptoms due to excess growth hormone or IGF-I vary widely. […] Acromegaly that affects the heart or blood pressure or causes diabetes may have another set of symptoms. […] Any of these symptoms, if it lasts for more than a few weeks, warrants a visit to your health care provider. Serious symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain warrant immediate attention. […] Treatments for acromegaly are successful in a significant number of people. Unfortunately, however, the disease is rarely caught early enough to prevent permanent damage or even premature death. […] Many of the soft-tissue changes, such as swelling, enlarged tongue, thickened skin, acne, and carpal tunnel syndrome are reversible with treatment.

• #107 Acromegaly Diagnosis & Treatment – NYC | Columbia Neurosurgery in New York City

  https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/acromegaly

  In most patients, GH and IGF-I levels fall rapidly after surgery. Symptoms such as headache, abnormal glucose levels, and sweating improve quickly. As hormone levels normalize over the long term, the thickened tissues in the hands and feet gradually reduce in size. Bone changes, like enlargement of the lower jaw, remain.

• #108 Acromegaly – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351226

  Acromegaly treatment aims to improve symptoms and treat or prevent complications. The goal is to lower growth hormone and IGF-1 back to their proper levels and keep them there. […] It’s common for some changes in physical features to improve with treatment. For example, swelling of soft tissue often goes down. And the skin often becomes less oily and coarse. But enlarged bones don’t return to the size that they used to be. […] Radiation therapy destroys any leftover tumor cells after surgery to remove the tumor. It also slowly lowers the level of growth hormone. It may take months or years for radiation to improve acromegaly symptoms in ways that you notice. […] Have you noticed any changes in how you look? […] How much would you say your features have changed over time? Do you have old photos I can use for comparison?

• #109 Acromegaly | California Center for Pituitary Disorders

  https://ccpd.ucsf.edu/pituitary-disorders/tumors/acromegaly

  In acromegaly, elevated growth hormone causes an increase in shoe and ring size, enlargement of the mandible leading to an underbite, frontal bossing, and enlargement of the nose. […] These changes are usually very gradual and may be missed by the patient and their family for many years. Soft tissue within the body can also enlarge, causing increased snoring, sleep apnea, chronic sinus problems, radiculopathy from nerve root entrapment (i.e., carpal tunnel syndrome), joint pain and stiffness, increase in sweating (hyperhydrosis), and even changes in voice and body odor. […] Patients with acromegaly may have accelerated cardiovascular disease and thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscles, diabetes, and an increased risk of colon polyps. Many of the changes related to acromegaly reverse once the growth hormone and IGF-1 levels are normalized; however, the changes in bone structure do not reverse.

• #110 Acromegaly & Gigantism | Paul Fitzgerald, M.D.

  http://fitzgeraldmd.com/pituitary/acromegaly-gigantism

  Acromegaly refers to the clinical syndrome caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) in adulthood, after the closure of epiphyses (bone growth plates). Symptoms of acromegaly typically include the growth of hands and feet, the growth of jaw and brow, with coarsening of facial features. Bones grow thicker and the growth of spinal bone can cause spinal stenosis and serious neurologic problems. Affected individuals are usually very sweaty, and also have increased muscle mass and reduced subcutaneous fat. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common. Diabetes and hypertension commonly occur. Untreated patients have a reduced life expectancy due to cardiovascular complications. […] After successful surgery, patients notice an immediate improvement in sweatiness and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, bone enlargement in permanent. […] Persistent or recurrent elevations in serum GH and IGF-I levels indicate the presence of residual tumor tissue in the pituitary, cavernous sinuses, or surrounding bone.

• #111 Acromegaly – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly

  Upon successful surgical treatment, headaches and visual symptoms tend to resolve. One exception is sleep apnea, which is present in around 70% of cases but does not tend to resolve with successful treatment of growth hormone level. […] While hypertension is a complication of 40% of cases, it typically responds well to regular regimens of blood pressure medication. […] Diabetes that occurs with acromegaly is treated with the typical medications, but successful lowering of growth hormone levels often alleviates symptoms of diabetes. […] Acromegaly is associated with a slightly elevated risk of cancer.

• #112 Acromegaly Diagnosis & Treatment – NYC | Columbia Neurosurgery in New York City

  https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/acromegaly

  In most patients, GH and IGF-I levels fall rapidly after surgery. Symptoms such as headache, abnormal glucose levels, and sweating improve quickly. As hormone levels normalize over the long term, the thickened tissues in the hands and feet gradually reduce in size. Bone changes, like enlargement of the lower jaw, remain.

• #113 Acromegaly | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

  https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/acromegaly

  Because acromegaly symptoms can develop slowly, over several years, it can take time for the condition to be noticed and diagnosed. […] Patients with acromegaly will need regular follow-up visits with their primary doctor or endocrinologist to check that hormone levels are maintained in a healthy range and to manage any complications related to the condition. Complications can include hypertension, cardiomyopathy, obstructive sleep apnea, joint problems and susceptibility to bone fractures. […] The long-term outlook for patients with acromegaly depends on how soon they are diagnosed and begin treatment, how effective the treatment is in reducing hormone levels and the presence of complications related to the condition. In general, early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes and fewer complications.

• #114

  https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a chronic (slowly progressive) condition caused by excess growth hormone in adulthood. […] Acromegaly is a rare condition with around 34 new cases per million population per year. It is generally diagnosed in middle-aged people. However, the symptoms are initially quite subtle and may have been present for many years before the diagnosis is made. […] Initial symptoms of acromegaly can be caused by the physical effects of the tumour on surrounding tissues (eg, headaches, visual disturbances) or by the consequences of overgrowth of bones, cartilage, tissues, and organs. […] Other clinical features of acromegaly include fatigue and depression, joint and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle weakness. […] Complications include: Patients with acromegaly are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus and dying of cardiovascular disease, respiratory complications, and cancer. […] Long-term follow-up is required to check for relapse and potential cardiovascular, respiratory, and malignant complications.

• #115 Acromegaly Disease Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment | PNI

  https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/pituitary-disorders/conditions/pituitary-adenomas/acromegaly/

  Additional serious problems may include: Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, An increased risk of colon cancer. […] With GH-secreting macroadenomas, there may be other symptoms like: Visual loss, Headaches, Pituitary gland failure, Fatigue, Depression, Impotence, Loss of libido in men, Menstrual irregularities, Galactorrhea (milk discharge from the breast) in women. […] Long-term remission of acromegaly is often not possible in patients with large or invasive macroadenomas. However, in such invasive tumors, removal of the great majority of the tumor can greatly improve problems associated with acromegaly (visual loss, pituitary gland dysfunction and headache) and typically improves hypertension, diabetes and soft tissue swelling. […] Long-term remission is seen in 80-90% of patients with microadenomas and in 40-60% of patients with macroadenomas or invasive adenomas. In general, the higher the pre-operative GH level and the larger the tumor, the lower the chance for cure or long-term remission.

• #116 Acromegaly | Expert Insights – Dr. Vikas Rao

  https://drvikasrao.com/patient-education/brain-surgery/brain-surgery-conditions-we-treat/acromegaly/

  Left untreated, acromegaly can result in serious illness and even death. Complications of untreated acromegaly can include: […] Even when surgery is successful, patients who have suffered from acromegaly have to be monitored for a possible recurrence. While hormone levels usually improve post-surgery, they may not fully return to normal and additional treatment may be needed.

• #117 Acromegaly | Brain Institute | OHSU

  https://www.ohsu.edu/brain-institute/acromegaly

  People with acromegaly often develop other medical conditions, such as: Carpal tunnel syndrome (stiffness and pain in the wrist that can cause finger numbness), High blood pressure, Heart and blood vessel disease, High blood sugar or diabetes, Noncancerous growths, or polyps, in the colon, Sleep apnea (interrupted breathing while you sleep), Vision problems. […] Long-term monitoring is also important. The hormonal imbalance caused by acromegaly can put you at risk for heart problems, colon growths and other conditions.

• #118 Acromegaly | Endocrine Conditions

  https://www.yourhormones.info/endocrine-conditions/acromegaly/

  People with acromegaly can also suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. The high blood pressure and diabetes tend to improve when acromegaly is treated. […] In patients who are treated at an early stage (and who have smaller tumours), growth hormone levels can be returned to normal in a significant number of cases. In these individuals there may be no long-term implications, though continued follow-up to detect any recurrence is important. Certain features of acromegaly may not be reversible. Examples of these are where acromegaly has developed over a period of time and there have been changes in the shape of bones and particularly of development of other features typical of acromegaly such as high blood pressure, diabetes or arthritis. These can continue following treatment. Other problems that affect the quality of life of people with acromegaly include arthritis, which can be progressive, and the fact that there is a possible increased risk of heart disease and sometimes bowel tumours.

• #119 Acromegaly

  https://www.massgeneral.org/condition/acromegaly

  Arthritis […] Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. […] Osteoporosis […] High blood pressure […] Vision problems […] Decreased function of the ovaries and testes as well as other organs that rely on normal pituitary cells for stimulation. […] The disease also raises your risk for colon polyps. These are small growths on the lining of your colon. They may lead to colorectal cancer. […] If not treated, acromegaly can lead to heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, vision problems, high blood pressure, or even death.

• #120 Symptoms and Causes | Acromegaly | Seeing Differences

  https://seeingdifferences.co.uk/symptomsandcauses

  Acromegaly can lead to an enlarged heart (known as myocardial hypertrophy), changes in your heart structure and the way your heart pumps blood round your body, and/or high blood pressure. […] Acromegaly increases the length and circumference of the colon, potentially facilitating the growth of pre-existing colonic tumours, or initiating their development. […] Increase in size of hands and feet. […] Overgrowth of bone and enlargement of cartilage in the joints may cause swelling and stiffness.

• #121 Acromegaly | Pituitary Network Association – International non-profit organization for patients with pituitary tumors and disorders

  https://pituitary.org/disorders/acromegaly/

  Acromegaly is a serious systemic condition caused in over 98% of cases by an adenoma (i.e., benign tumor) of the pituitary gland that secretes excessive growth hormone (GH). The clinical features associated with acromegaly include the effects of GH over-production, and in some instances by the tumor compressing and injuring the normal pituitary gland, optic nerves and optic chiasm. Untreated acromegaly results in marked bony and soft tissue changes including an altered facial appearance (frontal bossing, prognathism), enlargement of the hands and feet, sleep apnea, and carpal tunnel syndrome. More serious problems may include accelerated cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and possibly an increased risk of colon cancer. […] Symptoms and signs may include: […] Heart disease and heart enlargement (cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy) […] Hypertension […] Diabetes mellitus […] Sleep apnea […] Colon polyps and colon cancer.

• #122 Acromegaly | Mid Florida Endocrine

  https://www.midfloridaendocrine.org/acromegaly.php

  Patients with acromegaly develop pronounced enlargement of the hands, feet, brows, jaws and ears. […] Apart from abnormal growth, patients with acromegaly may be troubled by a variety of symptoms, including: Sleep apnea, Coarse skin, enlarged pores, Enlarged tongue, Fatigue, Excessive perspiration and body odor, Muscle weakness, Headaches or back pain, Hoarseness, Enlarged, painful joints, Enlarged organs, Visual problems, Excessive growth of hair in women, Unexplained weight gain. […] Women with acromegaly may experience menstrual irregularities and men may experience erectile dysfunction. […] Left untreated, acromegaly can result in serious illness and even death. Complications of untreated acromegaly can include: Severe headaches, Hypertension, Diabetes, Cardiomyopathy, Kidney failure, Colonic polyps or colorectal cancer, Osteoarthritis, Sleep apnea, Hypopituitarism, Uterine fibroids, Spinal cord compression, Vision loss. […] Even when surgery is successful, patients who have suffered from acromegaly have to be monitored for a possible recurrence. While hormone levels usually improve post-surgery, they may not fully return to normal and additional treatment may be needed.

• #123 Gigantism: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22954-gigantism

  The most common cause of gigantism is a benign (noncancerous) tumor on your child’s pituitary gland (a pituitary adenoma) that releases excess growth hormone (GH). Children with gigantism almost always have large pituitary tumors called macroadenomas (a pituitary adenoma that’s 10 millimeters in diameter or larger) at diagnosis. […] Gigantism can occur as a part of several rare genetic disorders that lead to an increased risk of developing GH-secreting pituitary tumors. […] The prognosis (outlook) for children and adolescents diagnosed with gigantism depends on several factors, including: How early or late they’re diagnosed. How effective treatment is at managing growth hormone levels. If they develop complications related to gigantism. […] Early diagnosis and treatment of gigantism are crucial to prevent excessive height and associated complications and improve life expectancy.

• #124 Acromegaly | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

  https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/acromegaly

  Because acromegaly symptoms can develop slowly, over several years, it can take time for the condition to be noticed and diagnosed. […] Patients with acromegaly will need regular follow-up visits with their primary doctor or endocrinologist to check that hormone levels are maintained in a healthy range and to manage any complications related to the condition. Complications can include hypertension, cardiomyopathy, obstructive sleep apnea, joint problems and susceptibility to bone fractures. […] The long-term outlook for patients with acromegaly depends on how soon they are diagnosed and begin treatment, how effective the treatment is in reducing hormone levels and the presence of complications related to the condition. In general, early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes and fewer complications.

• #125 Acromegaly – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/522

  Acromegaly is a rare, chronic disease caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), usually due to a pituitary somatotroph adenoma. It is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality if not appropriately treated. […] The diagnosis is often delayed. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for reducing the potentially debilitating complications of the disease. […] Must be screened for in the presence of pituitary adenoma, profuse sweating, acral growth, coarsening of facial features, and when suspected in conjunction with commonly associated conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthralgia, glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus, amenorrhea, hypertension, and sleep apnea. […] Acromegaly is a chronic, progressive, multisystemic disease associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. […] Monitoring and treatment of the comorbidities associated with acromegaly are essential for improving patient quality of life.

• #126 Welcome

  https://wapo.org/acromegaly/

  Acromegaly can affect people in lots of different ways; each persons body will have a response as unique as they are. […] If you havent been diagnosed with acromegaly, but are concerned that you, or someone you know, may have it, these are some of the symptoms to discuss with your healthcare professional. […] Common acromegaly symptoms include headaches, body changes, joint/muscle pain, hormonal issues, sleep disturbance, cardiac issues, and gut polyps. […] Acromegaly can lead to an impaired ability to effectively process the glucose in the food and drinks we consume, usually because the body has developed a resistance to the hormone insulin, which can lead to diabetes. […] Although a high proportion of people with acromegaly can achieve stable control of the pituitary adenoma with treatment, the condition is considered lifelong. […] For people living with acromegaly, coming to terms with the long-term nature of the condition, its treatment and its impact on your life can be tough.

• #127 Symptoms | Stanford Health Care

  https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/acromegaly/symptoms.html

  Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder in which the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. This disorder causes very gradual abnormal enlargement of bones and tissue — most noticeably in the hands and feet. Enlarged bones in the nose and mouth may cause a large tongue and widely spaced teeth and may lead to sleep apnea. Bone and cartilage growth may lead to arthritis. People with acromegaly can also develop diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as increased risk of developing other health conditions. […] Unfortunately, by the time someone with acromegaly is diagnosed, the signs and symptoms have already become very distressing. Acromegaly may cause permanent damage or lead to early death. […] Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy may lead to reversal and/or prevention of these long-term consequences.

• #128 Acromegaly | WELCOME TO DRJFM.COM

  https://www.drjfm.com/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder in which the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. This disorder causes abnormal enlargement of bones and tissues, noticeably in the hands and feet, which occurs gradually over several years. […] By the time an acromegaly patient sees an endocrinologist for diagnosis and treatment, the signs and symptoms have already become very distressing and in some cases permanent. Acromegaly may also lead to a risk of premature mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy may lead to reversal and/or prevention of these long-term consequences.

• #129 Symptoms and Signs of Acromegaly FAQs: Treatment

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/acromegaly_faqs/symptom.htm

  Acromegaly is a disease that causes the pituitary gland to produce too much growth hormone (GH), an excess of which causes overgrowth of bone in the face and jaw and cartilage and bone in the joints. The disease can cause symptoms like back pain, arthritis, sleep problems, thyroid problems, heart disease and other serious problems. This rare disease come on slow, but may be treated with a combination of therapies to reduce GH production and treat the diseases that result from Acromegaly. This is a lifelong disease that may be managed, but can’t be cured.

• #130

  https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acromegaly

  Acromegaly is a chronic (slowly progressive) condition caused by excess growth hormone in adulthood. […] Acromegaly is a rare condition with around 34 new cases per million population per year. It is generally diagnosed in middle-aged people. However, the symptoms are initially quite subtle and may have been present for many years before the diagnosis is made. […] Initial symptoms of acromegaly can be caused by the physical effects of the tumour on surrounding tissues (eg, headaches, visual disturbances) or by the consequences of overgrowth of bones, cartilage, tissues, and organs. […] Other clinical features of acromegaly include fatigue and depression, joint and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle weakness. […] Complications include: Patients with acromegaly are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus and dying of cardiovascular disease, respiratory complications, and cancer. […] Long-term follow-up is required to check for relapse and potential cardiovascular, respiratory, and malignant complications.

• #131 Acromegaly Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Patient Resources

  https://crinetics.com/acromegaly-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-resources-2/

  A variety of symptoms can occur. Because of the somatic growth caused by excessive amounts of IGF-1, some patients can appear considerably older than their chronological age. Common changes in facial appearance can include a larger nose, fuller lips, a protruding lower jaw and brow, more numerous skin folds, and a general appearance of being unwell. […] Progression of acromegaly can result in other major health problems, which may include: cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis, goiter, colon polyps, sleep apnea, carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal cord compression. […] Often, the patient is alerted to the fact that something is off by someone who hasn’t seen them in a while. […] The effects on patients’ lives are myriad: Pain: The monthly injections hurt. Disruption: Taking time off work, getting to the hospital/clinic and back, sitting in the waiting room, etc. It’s a chunk of nonproductive time that must be endured every single month.

• #132 Welcome

  https://wapo.org/acromegaly/

  Acromegaly can affect people in lots of different ways; each persons body will have a response as unique as they are. […] If you havent been diagnosed with acromegaly, but are concerned that you, or someone you know, may have it, these are some of the symptoms to discuss with your healthcare professional. […] Common acromegaly symptoms include headaches, body changes, joint/muscle pain, hormonal issues, sleep disturbance, cardiac issues, and gut polyps. […] Acromegaly can lead to an impaired ability to effectively process the glucose in the food and drinks we consume, usually because the body has developed a resistance to the hormone insulin, which can lead to diabetes. […] Although a high proportion of people with acromegaly can achieve stable control of the pituitary adenoma with treatment, the condition is considered lifelong. […] For people living with acromegaly, coming to terms with the long-term nature of the condition, its treatment and its impact on your life can be tough.

• #133 Acromegaly – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/522

  Acromegaly is a rare, chronic disease caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), usually due to a pituitary somatotroph adenoma. It is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality if not appropriately treated. […] The diagnosis is often delayed. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for reducing the potentially debilitating complications of the disease. […] Must be screened for in the presence of pituitary adenoma, profuse sweating, acral growth, coarsening of facial features, and when suspected in conjunction with commonly associated conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthralgia, glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus, amenorrhea, hypertension, and sleep apnea. […] Acromegaly is a chronic, progressive, multisystemic disease associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. […] Monitoring and treatment of the comorbidities associated with acromegaly are essential for improving patient quality of life.

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