National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.AcromegalyImportant
It is possible that the main title of the report Acromegaly
is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find
the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
SynonymsDisorder SubdivisionsGeneral DiscussionThe information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more detailed information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section this report.
Acromegaly is a rare, slowly progressive chronic disorder that affects adults. Although it is most often diagnosed in middle aged adults, it is important to note that symptoms can appear at any age and if not treated can result in serious illness and premature death. The disorder is characterized by an excess of growth hormone. Symptoms include abnormal enlargement in bones of the arms, legs, and head. The bones in the jaws and in the front of the skull are typically the most affected. Acromegaly may also cause thickening of the soft tissues of the body, particularly the heart and accelerated growth leading to tall stature. In most cases, acromegaly is caused by the growth of a benign tumor (adenoma), affecting the pituitary gland. ResourcesPituitary Network Association (PNA) P.O. Box 1958 Thousand Oaks, CA 91358 USA Tel: 8054999973 Fax: 8054800633 Email: pna@pituitary.org Internet: http://www.pituitary.org, www.acromegaly.org
NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse 1 AMS Circle Bethesda, MD 20892-3675 USA Tel: 3014954484 Fax: 3017186366 Tel: 8772264267 TDD: 3015652966 Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov
Canadian Multiple Endocrine Neoplasm Society, Inc. Box 100 Meota Saskatchewan, SOM 1XO Canada Tel: 3068922080 Fax: 306-892-2587 Email: men.society@sasketel.net Internet: http://www.mensociety.com
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Last Updated: 8/17/2007
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