Acromegaly

What It Is

Acromegaly is a chronic disease that is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone. Growth hormone is a substance secreted by the pituitary gland, a tiny gland located below your brain, behind your eyes. Growth hormone stimulates growth of bones and soft tissue in children and regulates metabolism in adults.

In most cases of acromegaly, this excessive production of growth hormone is due to a pituitary tumor, the majority of which are benign (not malignant). The excess growth hormone leads to enlargement of hands, feet, and facial features. It can also affect internal organs and cause a variety of potentially serious complications if left untreated.

Who Is More At Risk

Acromegaly most commonly affects middle-aged adults but is a relatively rare disorder. Most pituitary tumors arise spontaneously and are not inherited. It is estimated that about 3 out of every million people develop acromegaly each year and that 40 to 60 out of every million people suffer from the disease at any time. However, because the symptoms of acromegaly are easily missed, these numbers may actually be higher.

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