|
Gigantism Causes and Risks:
The vertical growth in height is also accompanied by growth in muscles and organs. Delayed puberty may be present as well. The cause for the excess growth hormone is most often caused by a pituitary gland tumor . If an excessive secretion of growth hormone occurs after normal bone growth has stopped, the condition is known as acromegaly .
Symptoms:
- excessive growth during childhood
- a headache
- delayed onset of puberty
Signs and Tests:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
Either surgery, radiation therapy , or both will be used to treat the pituitary tumor . Bromocriptine mesylate may be used to further lower growth hormone levels if they remain elevated after surgery or radiation therapy. Hormone replacement therapy of other pituitary hormones may be necessary after surgery.
Prognosis:
This is a rare disorder. Pituitary surgery is usually successful in limiting growth hormone production.
Complications:
The development of secondary sexual characteristics may be delayed.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if signs of excessive growth during childhood are present.
The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.
|
