Acromegaly is a rare disease caused by a non-cancerous tumour on the pituitary. The tumour produces increased quantities of growth hormone, a hormone that affects all of the body's organs. Increased growth hormone can lead to growth of hands and feet, changes in face shape, swelling, pain in the joints, headaches, increased sweating, high blood pressure, wear rheumatism and diabetes. There are several forms of treatment ranging from surgical operation, medication and radiotherapy, all of which aim at normalising secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary. The pituitary regulates the function of many hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid gland, adrenals, ovaries and testes.
Hormones produced by the pituitary also affect the function of other endocrine glands.
This finely tuned regulatory mechanism can be damaged both by the growth of the tumour and by the treatment. Certain patients may need substitution with cortisone, thyroxin or reproductive hormones after treatment. Most Acromegaly patients resume normal working lives, but late-onset complications can occur even in those who have been treated successfully. Not all ACIF organisations deal with Acromegaly, for more information contact your local support group . The intention is only to give information to patients and others about these disorders and the support that is available.