Acromegaly, which results when tumors in the pituitary gland produce excess growth hormone, affects more than 40,000 people worldwide per year. It is marked by the development of coarse facial features, enlarged joints and thickened bones, swelling of soft tissue, and enlargement of the heart and other organs. The condition often leads to more serious illness, such as colorectal cancer, sexual dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
Acromegaly is but one of many types of pituitary tumors known to strike between 25 and 30 percent of the world's population. In children, the tumors are often life threatening.
When growth hormone-producing tumors occur before puberty, the resulting disease is called gigantism. Prolonged exposure to excess growth hormone before fusion of the growth plates causes increased growth of the long bones and increased height.
Once recognized, acromegaly is treatable in most patients, but because of its slow and often insidious onset (5-15 years between onset of illness and outward change in appearance), it frequently is not diagnosed correctly.
"It is while the patient has every normal outward appearance that he or she needs to be diagnosed and have treatment started," said Robert Knutzen, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Pituitary Tumor Network Association (PTNA). "Once a patient is diagnosed and referred to a competent endocrinologist and/or neurosurgeon, the prognosis can be quite good."
Treatment options for acromegaly include pituitary surgery, radiation and drug therapy. New drugs in development may offer patients additional treatment options in the next few years.
"The aim of PTNA is to educate the public and dispel myths about acromegaly," said Mr. Knutzen. "For example, not all acromegalics grow tall. Many can lead productive lives and be exceptional. There are thousands of people who live with the condition and manage it successfully."
Anyone seeking in-depth information on acromegaly or pituitary tumors, or who wants to learn more about the Pituitary Tumor Network Association, may access the PTNA website at www.pituitary.com.
The mission of PTNA is to disseminate information to pituitary tumor patients and their families, the medical community, and the public on matters regarding early detection, symptoms, treatments and resources. PTNA informs the patient and physician of options, needs, regimens and methods of participation in treatment.
Editor's Note: This release is also available on the Internet at http://www.noonanrusso.com and http://www.pituitary.com