GigantismGigantism

By: Colby DahlkeBy: Colby Dahlke

What is Gigantism?What is Gigantism?

Gigantism is an abnormally large growth due to excess growth hormone during childhood, before growth plates close.

Gigantism is an abnormally large growth due to excess growth hormone during childhood, before growth plates close.

CauseCause

The main cause of too much growth hormone released is from a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland.

The main cause of too much growth hormone released is from a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland.

SymptomsSymptoms

Excessive growth The child is large for their age Delayed puberty Double vision or difficulty with peripheral vision Headaches Increased sweating Large hands and feet Thickening of facial features Weakness

Excessive growth The child is large for their age Delayed puberty Double vision or difficulty with peripheral vision Headaches Increased sweating Large hands and feet Thickening of facial features Weakness

Diagnostic ProceduresDiagnostic Procedures

CT or MRI of head There will be high prolactin levels Increased insulin growth factor levels

CT or MRI of head There will be high prolactin levels Increased insulin growth factor levels

TreatmentTreatment

Surgery to remove the tumor Medication that will reduce how much

growth hormone is released Radiation Therapy

Surgery to remove the tumor Medication that will reduce how much

growth hormone is released Radiation Therapy

Prognosis and PreventionPrognosis and Prevention

Pituitary surgery is usually the best option in limiting growth hormone production

Gigantism can’t be prevented, but once it happens and is removed, radiation therapy or medications may be recommended to prevent it from happening again

Pituitary surgery is usually the best option in limiting growth hormone production

Gigantism can’t be prevented, but once it happens and is removed, radiation therapy or medications may be recommended to prevent it from happening again