Gigantism
Gigantism is defined as unusual and abnormal largeness or excessive growth due to hormonal imbalance.
Example
The most remarkable example of a person with gigantism was Robert Wadlow (tallest man in history), called the Alton giant, who stood 8 feet 11 inches tall at the time of his death in his mid-20s. He showed no indication of an end to his growth even at the time of his death.
Causes
Gigantism is abnormally large growth due to an excess of growth hormone during childhood, before the bone growth plates have closed. The most common cause of too much growth hormone release is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the pituitary gland. The consequence is an accelerated growth rate and increased height as well as a number of additional soft tissue changes.
* The growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate or physis, is the area of growing tissue near the ends of the long bones in children and adolescents. Each long bone has at least two growth plates: one at each end. The growth plate determines the future length and shape of the mature bone. When growth is complete—sometime during adolescence—the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of gigantism are the accelerated growth leading to above-normal expected height for a child of their age. The effects of the growth hormone on bone, ligaments and soft tissue swelling can lead to coarse facial features, excessively large hands and feet with thick fingers and toes, prominent foreheads and jaws.
Headaches, visual disturbances and nausea can be caused by the tumour pressing on the brain and nerves to the eyes.
Treatment
Gigantism requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in order to prevent excess height and to improve life expectancy. Surgery is usually the first line of treatment with the aim of removing or reducing the size of the tumour to lower growth hormone levels.
Radiation therapy can be offered as an outpatient if surgery has not
Example
The most remarkable example of a person with gigantism was Robert Wadlow (tallest man in history), called the Alton giant, who stood 8 feet 11 inches tall at the time of his death in his mid-20s. He showed no indication of an end to his growth even at the time of his death.
Causes
Gigantism is abnormally large growth due to an excess of growth hormone during childhood, before the bone growth plates have closed. The most common cause of too much growth hormone release is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the pituitary gland. The consequence is an accelerated growth rate and increased height as well as a number of additional soft tissue changes.
* The growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate or physis, is the area of growing tissue near the ends of the long bones in children and adolescents. Each long bone has at least two growth plates: one at each end. The growth plate determines the future length and shape of the mature bone. When growth is complete—sometime during adolescence—the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of gigantism are the accelerated growth leading to above-normal expected height for a child of their age. The effects of the growth hormone on bone, ligaments and soft tissue swelling can lead to coarse facial features, excessively large hands and feet with thick fingers and toes, prominent foreheads and jaws.
Headaches, visual disturbances and nausea can be caused by the tumour pressing on the brain and nerves to the eyes.
Treatment
Gigantism requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in order to prevent excess height and to improve life expectancy. Surgery is usually the first line of treatment with the aim of removing or reducing the size of the tumour to lower growth hormone levels.
Radiation therapy can be offered as an outpatient if surgery has not