Information on the Medical Condition Gigantism

Gigantism is a rare, progressive disorder that causes dramatic bone overgrowth and can reduce life expectancy. There are many misconceptions regarding gigantism and its close relative, acromegaly, but as medical technology has increased in recent years, more and more information about gigantism is being discovered.

Causes

• What is known about gigantism points to one main culprit for the condition: the oversecretion of the human growth hormone. This oversecretion is most often caused by a benign pituitary gland tumor, though in rare instances lung or pancreas tumors can cause the pituitary gland to release excess growth hormone, also resulting in the symptoms of gigantism. Since the disorder is so rare, little is known about the condition, even whether it is genetic. However, two or more family members of gigantism patients often have increased levels of the human growth hormone, though not enough to cause the condition.

Time Frame

• Gigantism refers only to the oversecretion of human growth hormone in infants and children before the bone growth plates are closed. An oversecretion of human growth hormone in adults is referred to as acromegaly and is not marked by excessive growth, but rather the progressive deformation of the bones. The initial excessive growth of infants and children with gigantism may not be evident, since children experience significant growth in their first years of life. Eventually, however, it will make itself apparent. Children with gigantism can grow more than 6 inches per year and reach more than three times the average height for their age.

Features

• Gigantism results in abrupt, extreme growth in children. As the disorder progresses, the tumor of the pituitary gland continues to grow, causing the loss of other hormones, many related to the reproductive systems in both males and females. Aside from the excessive, proportional growth of the child and his bones, muscles and organs, other symptoms include the thickening of facial features, heart enlargement, delayed puberty, irregular menstruation, expression of breast milk, large hands and feet with thick digits, a prominent jaw, excessive sweating, double vision, headache and weakness.

Treatment

• If left untreated, gigantism will reduce life expectancy, though the exact amount of years can vary. However, there are effective treatment options available, including surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, radiation therapy and drug therapy. Depending on the size of the tumor and how advanced the condition is, one or all of these treatments may be used.

Considerations

• The physical effects of gigantism are apparent, but many fail to realize its emotional effects. The drastic growth and body changes characteristic of gigantism in children often cause emotional stress and low self-esteem. Aside from the support and love of family and friends, parents of children with gigantism may wish to consider psychiatric counseling for their child to help cope with the traumatic emotional effects of gigantism.