The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Acromegaly — Comprehensive Guide

A chronic pituitary tumor disease in which excess growth hormone leads to enlargement of the hands, feet, and face.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Endokrinoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Acromegaly — Comprehensive Guide?

Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disease caused by a pituitary tumor (adenoma) secreting excessive growth hormone (GH), which increases hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). In adults, after epiphyseal closure, GH excess causes growth of hands, feet, face, and internal organs rather than height.

Incidence is 3-4 per million; diagnosis is generally made 7-10 years after symptom onset (because changes develop slowly and insidiously). Cardiovascular complications (cardiomegaly, hypertension), diabetes, sleep apnea, and increased colon cancer risk are major causes of morbidity and mortality.

The gold standard for diagnosis is non-suppression of GH during oral glucose tolerance test and elevated IGF-1 level. Pituitary MRI determines tumor location and size.

Symptoms

Enlargement of hands and feet (increased ring or shoe size)
Coarsening of facial features (forehead, jaw, and nose enlargement)
Joint pain and arthropathy
Sleep apnea and snoring
Headache and visual field defects (tumor compressing the optic chiasm)
Excessive sweating and oily skin
Diabetes and hypertension

Risk Factors

Pituitary adenoma (GH-secreting somatotroph adenoma)
MEN1 syndrome (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1)
McCune-Albright syndrome
AIP gene mutation (familial isolated pituitary adenoma)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Noticeable enlargement of hands and feet or change in ring/shoe size
  • Marked coarsening of facial features and jaw enlargement
  • Unexplained joint pain together with sleep apnea
  • If elevated IGF-1 has been detected

Treatment Methods

01
First line: transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (adenoma removal)
02
Somatostatin analogs (octreotide LAR, lanreotide): GH suppression in surgery-resistant or inoperable cases
03
Pegvisomant (GH receptor antagonist): for inadequate response to somatostatin analogs
04
Radiosurgery (gamma knife): long-term control in cases failing medical and surgical therapy
05
Treatment goals: normalization of IGF-1 and GH <1 ng/mL on OGTT
06
Complication screening: diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, colonoscopy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Endokrinoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.