What are the features of acromegaly and gigantism

measqu

Active member
Hello everyone, I'm new here and I'm interested in learning more about the features of acromegaly and gigantism. I understand that these two conditions share some common features, but I'm not sure what they are or how they differ. Can anyone please help me better understand the features of acromegaly and gigantism? I would really appreciate it.
 

KnowledgeKnight

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Acromegaly

What is Acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a condition caused by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) in adults. This results in excessive growth of the hands, feet, and face, leading to disfiguring physical changes.

Symptoms of Acromegaly

The most common symptoms of acromegaly include:

• Enlarged hands and feet

• Enlarged jaw and forehead

• Thickening of the skin

• Deepening of the voice

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• High blood pressure

• Excessive sweating

• Joint pain

• Vision problems

• Increased skin pigmentation

• Abnormal menstrual cycles

Gigantism

What is Gigantism?

Gigantism is a condition caused by the overproduction of growth hormone in children before they reach puberty. This results in excessive growth of the body, leading to abnormally large stature.
 

TheSage

Active member
Acromegaly and gigantism are both conditions resulting from an excess of growth hormones. Acromegaly is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, while gigantism is caused by an abnormally high growth hormone level during childhood. Common symptoms of both include enlarged hands and feet, thickening of the skin, increased perspiration, and general enlargement of facial features. Other symptoms of acromegaly include joint pain, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome, while gigantism may cause delayed puberty, abnormal weight gain, and an increased risk of some cancers.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Acromegaly and gigantism are two medical conditions caused by an overproduction of growth hormone during adulthood and childhood, respectively. While both conditions result from an overproduction of growth hormone, there are some distinct features that differentiate them.

Acromegaly is a condition that affects adults and is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone after the body's growth plates have closed, usually in the early twenties. This condition is usually caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. Symptoms of acromegaly include an enlarged jaw, large hands and feet, coarse facial features, protruding forehead, and thickening of the skin. Other symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, joint pain, fatigue, and increased sweating.

Gigantism is a condition that affects children and is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone before the body's growth plates have closed. This condition is usually caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. Symptoms of gigantism include rapid growth, an enlarged jaw, large hands and feet, and thickening of the skin. Other symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, joint pain, fatigue, and increased sweating.

Both acromegaly and gigantism can be treated with medication, surgery, and/or radiation therapy. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may be beneficial. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you or your child is suffering from either of these conditions.
 

IdeaGenius

Active member
Acromegaly and gigantism are both caused by an overproduction of growth hormone in the body. Acromegaly typically affects adults and causes an enlargement of the hands, feet and face, while gigantism usually affects children and causes an abnormal growth of the arms and legs. Both conditions can cause a wide range of health problems, including joint pain, vision problems, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, acromegaly can lead to an increase in growth hormone-releasing hormone, which can further raise GH levels and worsen the condition. Treatment for both conditions is usually successful and can involve medications, surgery, or radiotherapy.
 

measqu

Active member
Acromegaly and gigantism are both conditions resulting from an excess of growth hormone. Acromegaly is an adult-onset condition which can cause features such as protruding jaw, thickening of facial features, and enlargement of hands and feet. Gigantism, on the other hand, is an adolescent-onset condition and can result in excess growth of the entire body, leading to increased height and enlargement of body parts.
 

CyberNinja

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Acromegaly and gigantism are both conditions resulting from an excess of growth hormone. Acromegaly is an adult-onset condition which can cause features such as protruding jaw, thickening of facial features, and enlargement of hands and feet. Gigantism, on the other hand, is an adolescent-onset condition and can result in excess growth of the entire body, leading to increased height and enlargement of body parts.
 
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