Acromegaly Or A Bone Disorder: Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment
Acromegaly is a bone disorder caused by too much growth hormone (GH) being produced by the pituitary gland during adulthood. A non-cancerous tumor, pituitary adenoma, is what makes the gland produce so much. The pituitary gland is located in the skull at the foundation of the brain behind the nose bridge, where most hormones are produced. The excessive amount of growth hormones can result in several issues with the body. Some may include high blood pressure, arthritis, vision loss, cardiovascular disease, sleeping apnea, carpal tunnel syndrome, enlargement of hands and feet, and uterine fibroids.
The most common symptom is enlargement of the hands and feet. Acromegaly produces rather slowly so signs of any other symptoms tend to develop over several years. If one is noticing any change in their growth in an abnormal state, then it might be best to contact the doctor. The doctor will ask questions and the proceed with blood tests to check the measurements of your GH and IGF-1.
The most effective diagnosis is the GH suppression test or glucose tolerance test. The patient must drink a sugary drink that will determine if they have acromegaly. If their hormone level is high, then the patient has the disorder. Doctors might also give MRI to locate the place and size of the tumor. Treatments may include surgery, medication or radiation. Transsphenoidal surgery is when the doctor goes through the nostril, up to the pituitary gland, and removing the tumor. If the tumor is not fully removed, the further procedures may involve education or radiation to keep the levels of GH low.
Suggested medication that may reduce the level of growth may include somatostatin analogs, GH receptor antagonists, of dopamine agonists. Somatostatin analog is a synthetic form of somatostatin in the brain injected in the skin three times a day along with an injection in the bum once a month by a professional. Dopamine Agonists, or cabergoline and bromocriptine, pills to reduce the size of tumor and GH levels, may result in compulsive behaviors. GH receptor antagonist acts to block the effects of the body. Radiation is another treatment that is taken when the tumor is still present even after surgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery, proton beam therapy, and conventional radiation therapy are types of radiation taken for the excessive GH in the body. Stereotactic radiosurgery is the same concept as proton beam therapy but requires only one dose and less radiation on the surrounding tissue.
The levels of GH will be regular from three to five years after treatment. Proton beam therapy is a high targeted radiation towards the tumor directly, but doesn't involve too many often treatments as conventional radiation. Conventional radiation is taken each weekday for four to six weeks, but effects don't show until after 10 years of surgery. Doctors might suggest support groups with others that have acromegaly or a counselor. The patient diagnosed with this bone disorder should aware others around them in their everyday life so they know and understand that the one with acromegaly may need something in particular or what to do when an unexpected situation occurs.
