What is Acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that most commonly occurs in middle-aged men and women. The prevalence of acromegaly is approximately 4,676 cases per million population, and the incidence is 116.9 new cases per million per year. The name "acromegaly" comes from the Greek words for "extremities" (acro) and "great" (megaly), because one of the most common symptoms of this condition is abnormal growth of the hands and feet.

The symptoms of acromegaly can vary and they develop gradually over time; therefore, a diagnosis of this condition may be difficult. Early detection is a goal in the management of acromegaly because the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive.

 

Scientists testing for Northern Ireland "giant gene"

Scientists in Belfast want to establish if the genetic blip that saw an 18th Century Irishman sprout to more than seven-and-a-half feet is widespread in the area he was from.

A geneticist at Queen's University has appealed for people whose families originate from the east Tyrone and south County Londonderry areas to take part in screening for gigantism.

Professor Patrick Morrison said they would test DNA for an altered gene that can cause the body to produce too much growth hormone.

He said that most of the people who have the condition do not know they have it and suffer no ill effects.

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One Woman's Opinion

May I say thank you for the obvious hard work etc.. that went in to the creation of this very informative web site. I, personally , have read everything on here and more than once. I used this site along with many other resourses in my search to find knowledge and care. I'm sure nobody can argue that this site is the best !!! and nobody can argue about seeking knowledge... and, being a former teacher, I agree completely "read, learn, explore!"

How Acromegalics Are Seen By The World

by Robert Knutzen, MBA, CEO Pituitary Network Assn.

As you can imagine we read a great deal of medical information here: studies, articles, conclusions, opinions, patient's perspectives, physician's perspectives, etc. What is puzzling, however, is the absence of clear definitions regarding numbers of patients, diagnosis, time of onset, seriousness of complications, etc.

We travel the world for information on treatment and options and perspectives. Sadly; while there is so much progress and sharing of good information on some fronts, it is woefully inadequate and antiquated in others. Clearly there is not one view of acromegalics; we are perceived, not as we really are, but by some as something vaguely remembered from medical school or an old medical article that no one has bothered to update or change in many years.

Acromegaly and its Complications A Lifelong Journey