Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder characterized by excess release of growth hormone by a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland. It can cause disfiguring bone growth in the face and extremities and possibly lead to joint and heart problems. The most common acromegaly treatment is surgical removal of the pituitary tumor or the entire gland. If surgery is not possible or does not relieve all symptoms, medications and hormone supplements can be prescribed to help stabilize growth hormone levels in the bloodstream. Finally, radiation therapy may be considered for acromegaly treatment if abnormal tissue returns or persists following surgery.
The pituitary gland at the base of the brain produces growth hormone to help stimulate development through adolescence and to maintain bones and body systems in adulthood. People who suffer from acromegaly have too much growth hormone in their blood, which causes bones and cartilage to keep growing after they should already be fully developed. Acromegaly symptoms tend to advance very gradually over the course of several years, and the condition is often not diagnosed until it is in its latest stages. Early detection and treatment are essential to provide the best chances of recovery.
Most cases of acromegaly are caused by overactive tumor cells in the pituitary gland. When diagnostic imaging tests confirm the presence of a tumor, the preferred acromegaly treatment is surgery. A skilled neurosurgeon can excise a small tumor with an endoscopic procedure called transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Larger pituitary tumors may require open surgery to remove the entire gland and repair surrounding tissue. Both procedures typically require extensive postoperative hospital stays to provide ample time for recovery and make sure symptoms do not return.
Medical acromegaly treatment may be needed if an obvious tumor cannot be found or if growth hormone levels are still elevated after surgery. A synthetic hormone called somatostatin is commonly prescribed to patients with chronic conditions. Somatostatin is a growth hormone inhibitor, and in the pituitary it halts the production of new growth hormone. Another hormone replacement drug called pegvisomant binds to existing growth hormones and prevents them from triggering negative responses. Anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure medications, and other agents may be prescribed as well to combat lingering symptoms of acromegaly.
Radiation is not a very common method of acromegaly treatment, but it may be necessary if other efforts fail. Treatments have been shown to both shrink pituitary tumors and lower existing levels of growth hormone. It is possible, however, for the immune system to suffer during therapy. In addition, the risk of developing a secondary tumor as a consequence of radiation exposure is high.
Most patients who receive prompt treatment for acromegaly have good prognoses. As many as 85 percent of patients experience remission following surgery and medical care. Even if symptoms appear to resolve, doctors generally encourage people to attend regular checkups throughout their lives to make sure they are doing well.
