Acromegaly Symptoms

The most common symptoms of acromegaly include abnormal growth of the hands and feet, as well as swelling of the soft tissues of the hands and feet. Other common symptoms include arthritis, fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, and coarse, oily skin. Anyone experiencing possible symptoms is encouraged to see their doctor, since these symptoms are also found with other medical conditions.

Articles About Acromegaly

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Acromegaly?

The name acromegaly comes from the Greek words for "extremities" and "enlargement," and reflects one of the most common acromegaly symptoms: the abnormal growth of the hands and feet. Soft-tissue swelling of the hands and feet is often an early acromegaly symptom, with patients noticing a change in ring or shoe size. Gradually, bony changes alter the patient's facial features: the brow and lower jaw protrude, the nasal bone enlarges, and the spacing of the teeth increases.

Other Common Symptoms

Other common acromegaly symptoms include:

Arthritis
Fatigue and weakness
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Thick, coarse, oily skin
Skin tags
Sleep apnea
Enlarged lips, nose, and tongue
Deepening of the voice due to enlarged sinuses and vocal cords
Impaired vision
Excessive sweating and skin odor
Headaches
Abnormalities of the menstrual cycle
Breast discharge in women
Impotence in men (also known as erectile dysfunction or ED)
Enlargement of body organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and heart.

Complications Seen With Acromegaly Symptoms

Acromegaly can lead to the development of other health conditions. The most serious health consequences of acromegaly are:

Diabetes mellitus
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Cardiovascular disease
Colon polyps that can develop into colon cancer.

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