How to Recognize Gigantism

Gigantism and acromegaly are related diseases, the difference being that gigantism occurs in children and acromegaly in adults, usually in their thirties or older. Gigantism, an extremely rare disease (100 reported cases) takes place when excessive growth hormone (GH) is secreted before the epiphyseal growth plates (separation between long bone shafts and diaphysis) are closed. The child begins to grow at an excessive rate, becoming extraordinarily tall as an adult. Read on to learn how to recognize gigantism.

Instructions

1. Look for extremely rapid growth in a child. At first it may not be apparent the growth rate is abnormal, but as other symptoms start to appear the child must be taken in for tests. The doctor will probably administer blood tests and look for elevated levels of growth hormone (GH) which, if present, should be followed by an MRI to look for pituitary adenomas or benign chest tumors.

2. Take note of other structural changes in the child's body as he grows. All facets of growth are affected, such as overly large hands and feet with thick, rough skin. The jaw grows large, producing prognathism, and the child usually suffer from joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and, as he grows older, osteoarthritis.

3. Be aware of other unusual signs particular to gigantism. The person's head is abnormally large in proportion to the body. There is an exaggerated growth of soft tissue and excessive sweating due to enlarged sweat glands, often causing a repulsive smell. The body hair is usually thick and coarse and tends to grow darker with age.

4. Make your doctor aware of any changes in vision or the appearance of severe headaches, which are caused by pressure on various nerves or the brain by tumor masses. There is also a chance of the heart enlarging up to twice the normal size, likely to produce cardiovascular problems or even death.

5. Be alert to other symptoms that may appear as time goes by, such as delayed puberty, undeveloped genitals and a deep, husky voice caused by thickened cartilage in the larynx. The patient may experience weakness and strange sensations in arms and legs as the nerves are compressed by hypertrophy (enlarged soft tissue).