UNDERSTANDING DISEASE

Understanding
Acromegaly Disease

Acromegaly is a disorder that results from an overproduction of growth hormone, typically caused by a benign pituitary tumor. This leads to abnormal growth of bones and tissues, often resulting in enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.

Prevalence & Impact

Acromegaly is a rare disease. Often referred to as somatotroph adenoma or growth hormone excess, acromegaly is a rare, chronic metabolic disorder caused by the presence of too much growth hormone.4

Facts & figures:

≥1,000 patients in Malaysia5

130 new cases per year in Malaysia5

Affects men and women equally6

Becomes more common with increasing age6

Incidence 2-11 cases per million per year2

Prevalence 28-137 cases per million2

Causes and risk factors

Acromegaly is caused by abnormal production of growth hormone after normal growth of the skeleton and other organs is complete. In children, too much growth hormone causes a condition called gigantism rather than acromegaly.4


The cause of the increased hormone secretion is usually a benign tumour of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, which is located just below the brain, controls the production and release of several different hormones including growth hormone.4


There are no known risk factors for acromegaly other than a prior history of a pituitary tumour.4

Did you know?

The word acromegaly comes from the Greek words “acro,” meaning extremities, and “megaly,” meaning enlargement.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms often develop slowly and may be missed. Watch for:

Enlarged hands or feet(rings/shoes no longer fit)
Facial changes (larger jaw, nose, or lips)
Joint pain or fatigue
Headaches or vision problems
Deepened voice or snoring

Other Signs & Symptoms

The most common symptom of acromegaly is abnormal growth of the hands and feet.7 With swelling of the hands and feet being an early symptom of the condition, people with acromegaly might notice that their rings or shoes have become too tight. Over time, as the bones continue to grow, facial features begin to change.

With the brow and lower jaw becoming more prominent, the bone of the nose becoming larger, and the teeth developing spaces between them. Acromegaly can also lead to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and enlargement of the internal organs, including the heart.7

Additional symptoms may include:

  • Joint aches
  • Headaches
  • Impaired vision
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Thickening of the skin
  • Oily skin
  • Skin tags
  • Skin odor
  • Enlargement of the lips, nose, and tongue
  • Deepening of the voice
  • Sleep apnea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Abnormal menstrual cycles
  • Breast discharge in women
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Decreased libido

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to serious complications like:

High Blood Pressure

18% – 77%

hypertension

Type 2 Diabetes

22.3% –76.8%

higher risk

Cholesterol

up to 61%

dyslipidemia

Obesity

>40%

higher risk

COMPLICATIONS

Prolonged overproduction of GH causes multiple complications

Cardiovascular

Respiratory

Metabolic

Gastrointestinal tumours

Endocrine

Skeletal and rheumatological

Neurological

Acrogemaly’s Disease is Treatable

The goal is to bring hormone levels back to normal and relieve symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

Surgery – 1st line treatment option
Medical Therapy – 2nd line option
Radiation therapy

LEARN MORE

How does cortisol affect
our body?

Surgery – 1st line treatment option

Medical Therapy – 2nd line option

Radiation therapy

Overproduction of GH and IGF-1

Can affect many parts of your body. The manifestations and their intensity can vary.

These includes:

Physical changes characterised by acral enlargement
Skeletal system complications including osteoporosis and vertebral fractures
Neurological complications including carpal tunnel syndrome
Excessive perspiration which is often foul smelling

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Doctor’s appointment preparations

Know what to do before your visit

Write down any symptoms you're having

Write down key personal information

Make a list of all medicines, vitamins, creams or supplements

Take a family member or friend along, if possible

Write down questions

References

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This site contains medical information that is intended for Healthcare Professionals only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a medical professional.
All decisions regarding patient care should be made considering the unique characteristics of the patient. 

Treatment & Monitoring

Treating Cushing's Treating Acromegaly's

Understanding Disease

Cushing's Disease Acrogemaly

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