Health Library AcromegalyFrom Healthwise

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Important
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.

• Marie Disease

• None

The 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.

Pituitary 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/Health_Info

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

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  2/15/2008
Copyright  1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995 , 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.