What are the symptoms of gigantism?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Gigantism is a condition caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, leading to abnormal skeletal overgrowth. Common symptoms of gigantism include excessive height, coarse facial features, thickened skin, enlarged hands and feet, and abnormal sexual development. If any physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Acromegaly is a disorder caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, leading to abnormal overgrowth of the bones. Typically, main symptoms of acromegaly include tall stature, coarse facial features, thickened skin, enlarged hands and feet, and abnormal sexual development. If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Tall Stature
Tall stature is the most obvious symptom of acromegaly. Patients are usually significantly taller than the normal range—typically exceeding the average height by more than two standard deviations. This excessive growth is primarily due to overproduction of growth hormone, which stimulates abnormal growth of bones, cartilage, and other tissues.
2. Coarse Facial Features
Patients may develop coarser facial characteristics, mainly due to hyperplasia and enlargement of bones and soft tissues. The facial轮廓 becomes more prominent and visibly different from that of unaffected individuals.
3. Thickened Skin
Excessive growth hormone secretion can also lead to proliferation of skin cells, resulting in thickened, rough skin, often accompanied by increased body hair.
4. Enlarged Hands and Feet
The hands and feet of patients with acromegaly become larger than normal due to overgrowth of bones and soft tissues, which may impair their daily activities and functional abilities.
5. Abnormal Sexual Development
Most patients with acromegaly experience symptoms of reduced sexual function, as excessive growth hormone secretion affects the reproductive system. Gonadal development may be impaired, leading to absent secondary sexual characteristics or incomplete gonadal development, such as testicular hypoplasia or anorchia.
Upon diagnosis of acromegaly, it is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as octreotide acetate injection, cyproheptadine hydrochloride tablets, or chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets for treatment. In daily life, it is important to provide humanistic care and support to patients. Parents are encouraged to closely monitor the treatment process, which may help improve disease control.
