Pituitary gigantism

Pituitary gigantism is a rare condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average. This condition is caused by an overproduction of growth hormone (GH), usually due to a pituitary adenoma, a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland.

Causes

Pituitary gigantism is most commonly caused by a pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. These tumors produce an excess of growth hormone, which leads to an increased growth rate and large size. Other less common causes include genetic disorders such as McCune-Albright syndrome and Carney complex, and certain endocrine disorders.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of pituitary gigantism is accelerated growth, resulting in an unusually large size for age. Other symptoms can include delayed puberty, irregular periods in girls, and enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. Some individuals may also experience vision problems or headaches due to the tumor pressing on nearby brain tissues.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pituitary gigantism involves a physical examination, medical history, and various tests. These tests can include blood tests to measure levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to identify any tumors in the pituitary gland.

Treatment

Treatment for pituitary gigantism aims to reduce the production of growth hormone and remove or shrink the tumor causing the condition. This can involve surgery, medication, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Prognosis

With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for individuals with pituitary gigantism is generally good. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

See also

• Acromegaly
• Gigantism
• Pituitary gland
• Growth hormone

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