The symptoms of acromegaly vary from person to person. However, one thing that is common is that the patient’s body appears to be larger than usual. This can happen due to the increase in the amount of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is a rare condition that usually affects people in their 40s and 50s. Some of the most noticeable changes include an overgrowth of the jawbone and the face, and thickening of the skin. Other symptoms can include enlarged feet and hands.
Acromegaly can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral problems. If left untreated, the effects of acromegaly can be serious. For example, acromegaly can increase a person’s risk for cancer and other serious health problems. There are several ways to treat acromegaly, and each treatment is tailored to the needs of the individual.
When a person is diagnosed with acromegaly, he or she will need a blood test to check for the presence of growth hormone. High levels of the hormone indicate that the person has acromegaly. Also, the person’s levels of IGF-1, another growth hormone, will be measured. Usually, the IGF-1 levels will be extremely high.
If you think you may have acromegaly, you should visit your doctor immediately. He or she will perform some lab tests and may order imaging to detect the location of the pituitary tumor. In some cases, the tumor can be seen on an MRI or CT scan.
Depending on the type of acromegaly, the person may need to undergo surgery. Traditionally, transsphenoidal surgery is used to treat acromegaly. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision on the back of the nose. This bypasses the brain tissue and allows the surgeon to remove the acromegaly. Surgery is a very effective treatment and helps to minimize the symptoms of acromegaly.
In some cases, the patient will be treated with drugs to prevent the production of growth hormone. These drugs are often called dopamine agonists or somatostatin analogues. They can be effective in 90 to 95 percent of patients. A doctor will determine the best treatment for you.
Generally, acromegaly progresses slowly. However, it is important to get treatment as early as possible in order to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Treatment may involve medication, radiation, or surgery. To avoid complications, it is also important to get regular visits with your doctor. Your healthcare team will help you to manage your medications and will monitor your growth hormone and other hormones.
After you have had acromegaly surgery, you will need to continue receiving long-term drug therapy. Normally, a sugary drink is prescribed for this purpose. You will be given this sugary drink for a few hours and your blood sugar will be monitored. Over time, your blood sugar will be controlled.
During the recovery period, you may experience some pain in your joints. This can be caused by the enlargement of the joint tissues and cartilage. Joint pain is a common symptom of acromegaly and can last for several years.
