$Unique_ID{BRK01323}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism, Neoplasms}
$Title{What is "Acromegaly"?}
$Subject{pituitary acromegaly}
$Volume{C-22, B-22}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Brain*0002401.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Acromegaly"?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My son has "Acromegaly" secondary to a large pituitary tumor.
Could you please give me some information about this?  He is taking
Bromocriptine.  Could you please tell us something about that?  I haven't been
able to find any information about any of this.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  The term acromegaly comes from the Greek "acros" meaning "extremity"
and "megale" meaning "great", for large fingers, hands and feet are
distinguishing marks of this disorder.  It almost always is caused by a tumor
(adenoma) of the pituitary gland, which secretes excessive amounts of the
growth hormone (GH).  Although this may happen at any age, it is most
frequently seen between the ages of 30 to 50, a time of life when bone growth
is complete.  When the hormone is secreted it causes the soft tissues of the
fingers and feet to swell, and a coarsening of the features of the face.  The
skin may become thicker and darken, and there is a growth of coarse body hair.
The mandible grows causing the jaw to protrude and the cartilage of the larynx
(voice box) grows creating a deep, husky voice.  After a period of time, the
growth of rib structures creates a barrel chest.  Sugar metabolism is affected
in about half the cases but causes a clinical diabetes in only 10 percent of
the patients.  The diagnosis can be made by x-rays which show the changes in
the bony structures, and can disclose an enlargement of the sella turcica, the
area where the pituitary gland is found.  Blood tests will also show that the
levels of GH are elevated.  Bromocriptine mesylate can be used to help lower
the levels of GH, and is effective in some cases.  However either surgery or
radiation therapy is generally recommended to remove or destroy the pituitary
tumor.  The results of radiation therapy with supervoltage radiation may not
be seen for several years, when the levels of GH finally fall to normal, but
is a procedure that rarely damages the cranial nerves or other tissues.  There
are many types of treatment and the techniques may vary from one institution
to another.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
