Excess secretion of growth hormone by your pituitary gland is main cause for acromegaly. Tumor is main reason behind increased secretion of growth hormone by pituitary gland. Pituitary gland secretes various hormones and growth hormone is one of them.
Causes and Evaluation of Acromegaly
New York (USA), June 21, 2013
Causes of Acromegaly
Excess secretion of growth hormone by your pituitary gland is the main cause for acromegaly. Pituitary gland secretes various hormones and growth hormone is one of them. Growth hormone is responsible for growth and regeneration of bones and other body tissues. It stimulates liver to produce another hormone. This is insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I). The small bean-shaped pituitary gland is located at base of your brain.
Tumor is the main reason behind increased secretion of growth hormone by pituitary gland. Such tumors could be:
1. Pituitary Tumors: This is a benign tumor or adenoma of pituitary gland. It not only boosts growth hormone secretion. Tumor also compresses other tissues as it continues to grow. Such increased pressure is the major cause for persistent headaches and impaired vision associated with acromegaly. At times, such compression alters production of other hormones like testosterone. This causes impotence in men and changes in menstruation patterns in women. Some adenomas grow slowly and changes are extremely difficult to notice. Some grow very fast and disrupt functioning of neighboring organs and tissues. Such aggressive tumors are common in growing children. Pituitary tumors are absent at birth but develop due to genetic changes after birth.
2. Non-Pituitary Tumors: Sometimes cancerous or benign tumors in other parts of your body like pancreas, lungs, or adrenal glands are also responsible for acromegaly. Such tumors secrete growth hormone. Some others produce another hormone, growth hormone releasing hormone or GH-RH. This hormone then stimulates your pituitary gland to secrete more growth hormone, eventually increasing growth hormone levels in your body. This causes acromegaly. Excess GH-RH can be detected in blood test. Surgical removal of these non-pituitary tumors reduces growth hormone levels leading to an improvement in acromegaly symptoms.
Evaluation of Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare medical condition. However, it is a fatal condition and requires proper medical treatment and care. Symptoms develop very gradually but steadily. Symptoms develop over many long years or even decades. Although a fatal condition, correct diagnosis and timely treatment can overcome the fatality largely.
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