Symptoms Of Acromegaly

Skin Tissue Growths

Skin tissue growths in patients with acromegaly commonly present as skin tags. These benign growths occur due to friction on the skin and can be easily removed by a dermatologist. Common locations for skin tags include the neck, armpits, chest, and groin. In addition to skin tags, acromegaly patients may notice their skin becomes thicker, rougher, and more oily. These symptoms can be managed with specially medicated creams, and a dermatologist can recommend the ones that will be most beneficial for the specific patient.

Patients with acromegaly may notice they sweat more than usual and their skin takes on an unusual odor. Excessive sweating can be eased with prescription-strength deodorants, Botox injections, and surgical procedures. Patients concerned about any aspect of their skin should see a dermatologist for individual evaluation and treatment recommendations. Abnormal tissue growth may occur inside the body as well. For example, female patients may experience uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors that grow in the lining of the uterus and can cause problems with the menstrual cycle. Polyps may also form on the lining of the colon.

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Enlarged Organs

Body parts like the hands and feet are not the only things that might enlarge when someone is suffering from acromegaly. A number of different organs may enlarge with acromegaly, including the heart, spleen, liver, thyroid, and kidneys. An enlarged heart is a form of cardiovascular disease and can lead to complications such as hypertension. Patients with these conditions will need to be under the care of a cardiologist, and they will likely have their blood pressure and cardiac health monitored frequently. Treatment with medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can help to reduce blood pressure. An enlarged spleen is vulnerable to rupture, and this can be a medical emergency requiring emergency surgery. To prevent this, patients who have an enlarged spleen may be advised to avoid contact sports or activities where they could receive a potential blow to the upper body. An enlarged thyroid can typically be managed with medication.

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