It is a chronic disease characterized by increased secretion of growth hormone by the frontal lobes of the Pituitary gland and enlargement of parts of the head, hands, and feet. I found this article from the Americana .
Encyclopedia 99. The article explains about the causes, characteristics, symptoms and treatment of the disease.
Acromegaly occurs because of an increase in the number of growth hormone-secreting cells. This increase in cell number usually produces a pituitary tumor, which may press on the optic nerves and interfere with vision.
The article explains that the excessive secretion of growth hormone causes many abnormalities. The most obvious changes are in certain soft tissues, cartilage, and bones. These changes, the article says "give a characteristic burly, large-jawed appearance to patients with the disease. The skin of the face is puffy, and the facial lines are exaggerated. The nose and ears enlarge; the larynx is big, and the voice is husky. The jawbone lengthens and protrudes forward. Because the rib cartilages lengthen, the chest cage becomes barrel-like. Bony overgrowth in the spine causes difficulty in bending forward and also causes arthritis. Less obvious abnormalities are increased hairiness, sweating, enlargement of the thyroid gland, diabetes, and sometimes high blood pressure".
The article explains that the symptoms of Acromegaly are in various areas: severe headaches; tingling and numbness in hands and feet; back, hip, or knee pain due to arthritis; or severe weakness and wasting of muscles. The major complications are due to diabetes or high blood pressure, when they exist. Occasionally, remaining pituitary tissue is destroyed by the tumor, causing failure of the glands that are dependent upon the pituitary.
According to the article X-ray treatment of the pituitary region is the most commonly used method for the treatment of the disease. In most cases, this treatment stops the growth of the tumor and, in some cases, reduces the excessive growth hormone secretion.
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