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

Chronic disease in adults due to excess growth hormone secretion.

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 Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a chronic disease developing in adults after epiphyseal plate closure due to excess growth hormone (GH) secretion. In more than 95% of cases, the cause is a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

The disease has an insidious onset; diagnosis is delayed by an average of 7-10 years. Enlargement of the hands and feet, coarsening of facial features (mandibular enlargement — prognathism), tongue enlargement, and voice deepening are characteristic.

Elevated GH and IGF-1 increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (cardiomyopathy, hypertension), diabetes, sleep apnea, colon polyps, and arthropathy. If untreated, life expectancy is reduced by 10-15 years.

Symptoms

Enlargement of hands and feet (increased ring and shoe size)
Coarsening of facial features and mandibular enlargement
Excessive sweating
Joint pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Headache and visual field narrowing

Risk Factors

Pituitary adenoma
MEN 1 syndrome
Carney complex
Rarely, ectopic GHRH-secreting tumors

When to See a Doctor?

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

  • If significant enlargement of the hands, feet, and face is noticed
  • If excessive sweating and joint pain develop
  • In case of headache and visual disturbance
  • If new diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension develop together

Treatment Methods

01
Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (first-line treatment)
02
Somatostatin analogs (octreotide LAR, lanreotide — if surgery is inadequate)
03
Pegvisomant (GH receptor antagonist)
04
Cabergoline (in mixed GH/PRL adenomas)
05
Radiotherapy (in cases refractory to surgery and medical therapy)

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.

Thyroid Nodule Evaluation

Endokrinoloji

Thyroid nodules are very common and the vast majority are benign; however, fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be required based on ultrasound features for malignancy risk assessment.

Management of Graves' Disease

Endokrinoloji

Graves' disease is the most common cause of autoimmune hyperthyroidism, developing with excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating antibody (TRAb).

Management of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Endokrinoloji

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, due to autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland with anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)

Endokrinoloji

Addison's disease is a potentially life-threatening endocrine disorder presenting with cortisol and aldosterone deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands.

Cushing Syndrome Diagnostic Workup

Endokrinoloji

Cushing syndrome is an endocrine disorder presenting with central obesity, striae, hypertension, and metabolic disturbances due to chronic glucocorticoid excess; its diagnosis is challenging.

Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Endokrinoloji

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare tumors that secrete excess catecholamines, causing paroxysmal hypertension, headache, sweating, and palpitations.

Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome)

Endokrinoloji

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a treatable cause of resistant hypertension and hypokalemia caused by excessive aldosterone secretion from the adrenal gland.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Hypopituitarism

Endokrinoloji

Hypopituitarism is a deficiency of pituitary hormone production that leads to multiple endocrine organ failures and requires lifelong hormone replacement.

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.