Acromegaly
Alternate Names : Hyperpituitarism
What are the treatments for the condition?
The goal of treatment is to stop the body from producing so much
growth hormone. There are three treatment approaches:
Surgery. When the pituitary tumor is removed, it corrects the
abnormal growth hormone secretion in most people.
Medicine. Medicines such as octreotide and bromocriptine
may be used to block the production of growth hormone.
Radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy helps to shrink the pituitary tumor, which then returns
healthy function to the organ.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, and
allergic reactions
to the anesthesia.
About one-third of people who are given medicines to block the
production of growth hormones have side effects. Side effects include
pain at the injection site, loose stools, abdominal pain,
and gallbladder stones.
Radiation may cause mouth ulcers. It may also damage normal tissues
around the tumor. However, accurate targeting of the radiation can lessen
these effects.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
When treatment is a success, the excess bone growth should stop.
There is a slight chance that the tumor that caused the acromegaly may
come back.
How is the condition monitored?
The person should have yearly medical exams. Blood tests
may be performed to measure the amount of growth hormone present
and make sure that it stays in a healthy range. Any new or worsening symptoms
should be reported to the doctor.
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