It is a rare disorder which is marked by excess of growth hormone causing gigantism and enlargement of tissues. This hormone (growth hormone) is secreted by pituitary gland, located in the brain. Actually it is the growth hormone which makes our bone and muscles strong and help in the development of organs and tissues. The problem occurs, only when the hormone is secreted in excess.
Acromegaly is the Greek word meaning “enlargement of extremities”. This disorder is marked by overgrowth of bones and joints, swelling of lips, face and even tongue. Further it can affect the internal organs like heart, lungs and kidneys.
Acromegaly Causes :
Pituitary gland secretes Human Growth Hormone (HGH) which causes normal development of bones and muscles in children. But when the hormone is secreted in large quantity, it causes abnormal growth in the organs and tissues which looks bigger than bones. This condition is called Gigantism or acromegaly.
There is another hormone by name somatostatin which reduces and stops the excess secretion of growth hormone. Excess of growth hormone can stimulate the liver to secrete insulin like growth factor called IGF-1 which thereby assists in the development of bones and tissues. Too much of IGF-1 is responsible for this disorder.