[2017] Ryan Gwin (Anatomy & Physiology): Acromegaly

Acromegaly

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Treatment

Enlarged hands and feetCoarsened, enlarged facial featuresCoarse, oily, thickened skinExcessive sweating and body odorSmall outgrowths of skin tissue (skin tags)Fatigue and muscle weaknessA deepened, husky voice due to enlarged vocal cords and sinusesSevere snoring due to obstruction of the upper airwayImpaired visionHeadachesEnlarged tonguePain and limited joint mobilityMenstrual cycle irregularities in womenErectile dysfunction in menEnlarged liver, heart, kidneys, spleen and other organsIncreased chest size (barrel chest)

GH is part of a group of hormones that regulate the growth and development of the body. People with acromegaly have too much GH. It accelerates bone growth and organ enlargementmore than 95 percent of people with acromegaly have a benign tumor affecting their pituitary. This tumor is called an adenoma

Treatment focuses on lowering your production of GH, as well as reducing the negative effects of the tumor on the pituitary gland and surrounding tissues. You may need more than one type of treatment. (Medication, Surgery, or Radiation)

Prognosis

Prevention

Statistics

Not preventable. Blood Tests can be used to determine if you have too many GH Hormones.

Disease is treatable but individuals have to live with it. (no cure)

Found in middle aged adlts.

Sources

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/symptoms-causes/dxc-20177626 http://www.healthline.com/health/acromegaly#Overview1 http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/pituitary_center/conditions/acromegaly.html