Acromegaly - How To Identify It?

The human body is truly amazing and complex. However, it is also known to have a fine balance. This is especially true when it comes to the various hormones, which have their respective effects on the body. Sometimes, though, things can go a bit wrong and acromegaly happens to be a prime example of that. But what exactly is acromegaly?

The teen years are generally known to be the period during which hormones have their greatest impact on the human body. However, acromegaly refers to a situation where the growth hormone is secreted in too large a quantity, when the person is already an adult. What this means is that the bones of a person, who stopped growing long time back, suddenly start expanding again, which they really should not!

The bones of the face, hands as well as those of the feet expand. It is important to get treated for acromegaly because, if there is no speedy treatment, then there can be further complications. In some cases, the situation can be life-threatening as well. Also, if you go for your treatment immediately, then there is a fair chance to prevent your features from changing. However, it is to be kept in mind that detecting acromegaly is not really that easy. In quite a few cases, it goes on for years, prior to it being detected.

A non-cancerous tumour, also known as an adenoma, is often the cause for acromegaly. The tumour, in this case, is located on the pituitary gland. In many such, the person has his or her vision compromised on and also has frequent headaches. This is due to the tumour pressing on the other parts of the brain, which are in the vicinity of it.

In some other cases, the cause of acromegaly may just be a tumour, which is located in an area a bit distant from the pituitary gland. So, the tumour may be on the pancreas or on one of the kidneys or even on one of the lungs. This tumour may secrete the growth hormone on its own or cause it to be secreted by the pituitary gland.

Generally, imaging is used to diagnose acromegaly. Drugs and surgery are used to help block the growth hormone and remove the tumour. After the surgery, radiation may be used to get rid of the cells in the region.