Acromegaly (giantism)

Acromegaly (giantism)

1. Pituitary gland creates too much growth hormone, can be hereditary, generally diagnosed during childhood, can grow 7-8 ft tall

2. Bones and muscles grow bigger than 'normal'

3. Enlarged facial features, hands, and feet

4. Diaphoresis

5. Offensive body odour

6. Impaired vision

7. Fatigue

8. Muscle weakness

9. Limited joint mobility

10. Headaches

11. Decreased life span

12. Monitor BGL as the patient can develop diabetes, refer to dietitian, monitor BP as patient can become hypertensive, disturbed sensory perception - falls risk, body image issues, fluid volume deficit - FBC monitoring, consider patient education and communication due to intellectual impairment, increased urine production, increased metabolism

13. Hypothyroidism

14. Caused by a pituitary tumour

15. Surgery to remove the tumour, radiation, medications to shrink tumour