Question 1

is acromegaly hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Only rarely: The great majority of cases of acromegaly are what we call sporadic, that is not familial. If a family member has or had acromegaly, and you think that you have symptoms, a simple blood test will confirm or deny your concerns.

Question 2

how common is acromegaly giant?

Accepted Answer

Not very: It is a very uncommon diagnosis.

Question 3

what are the tests for acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

IGF-1, MRI, others: A screening test is igf-1 (or insulin-like growth factor). This test is more reliable than growth hormone (gh) because gh is released in pulses, so that a one-time measurement of gh doesn't mean much.  If the igf-1 is high, further tests may include a test where glucose is given & gh check to see if if suppresses (normal) or stays high (acromegaly) and MRI is done to check for pituitary tumor.

Question 4

what sort of problem is acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Pituitary: Pituitary tumor causing exce3ssive growthhormone production after bones have fused (no more linear growth).  When younger, can cause gigantism.  Can increase diabetes, lipids, bone problems.  Can present with headache, visual symptoms (tumor can press on optic nerves), joint pain, increased glove or hat size, dental problems, symptoms of diabetes. Can shorten life, get dx, get rx-usually surgical.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Many: Adults do not gain height once the bones are completely mineralized, but the bones can grow in width.  So wider hands or feet are classic symptoms. Facial bones may enlarge and lead to coarsening of facial features; the jaw may enlarge and protrude.  People with acromegaly may also have headaches, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart problems, carpal tunnel, arthritis,  & higher risk for cancer.

Question 6

what are the earliest signs of acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly: Acromegaly is abnormal soft tissue growth from excessive growth hormone production by a pituitary tumor.  A change in glove or shoe size can be the earliest sign.  Some people notice a change in the spacing of their teeth, perhaps requiring braces in adulthood.  Others notice gradual change in appearance, with enlargement of the nose, ears, lips, face or tongue, overgrowth of the jaw or brow.

Question 7

how to tell if these are acromegaly symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Check IGF-1: Hi. If we suspect acromegaly on clinical grounds, we check an IGF-1 (and I also get an IGFBP-3); I get a GH, but it's seldom helpful at the screening stage). If IGF-1 is elevated, then a growth hormone suppression test is done. If that's abnormal, we then do a pituitary MRI. Acromegaly tumors are usually big and easy to see. Good luck!

Question 8

i think i am suffering from acromegaly. help?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly: You do not say why you think you have this relatively rare disease.  You should see your doctor about this.   An endocrinologist is a specialist in gland disorders and would be in the best position to work this up.

Question 9

how could one treat acromegaly to become healthy?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly : Hi. Treating acromegaly is a multi-pronged approach. The first step is almost always surgery, however surgery is often not curative. Subsequent lines of treatment include somatostatin analogs (e.g., lanreotide) and maybe the GH receptor antagonist, pegvisomant. Sometimes pituitary radiation is necessary. Good luck!

Question 10

how is a diagnostic test of acromegaly (gigantism) done?

Accepted Answer

DX acromegaly: Igf1 screening followed if positive by a gh suppression test two hours after a 100 gm gtt, plus an mri.

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Doctor answers about:

Acromegaly

A member asked:

Is acromegaly hereditary?

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How common is acromegaly giant?

A member asked:

What are the tests for acromegaly?

A member asked:

What sort of problem is acromegaly?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of acromegaly?

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What are the earliest signs of acromegaly?

A member asked:

How to tell if these are acromegaly symptoms?

A member asked:

I think i am suffering from acromegaly. help?

A member asked:

How could one treat acromegaly to become healthy?

A member asked:

How is a diagnostic test of acromegaly (gigantism) done?

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