Gigantism

Definition

Gigantism is a rare condition characterized by excessive growth and abnormal enlargement of the body, primarily due to overproduction of growth hormone during childhood before the growth plates have closed. This results in an individual growing significantly taller than the average height for their age and sex.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gigantism is most commonly caused by a pituitary adenoma, a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland that secretes excessive growth hormone.
2. Individuals with gigantism typically experience rapid growth in height, with some reaching over 7 feet tall, as well as enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features.
3. Untreated gigantism can lead to a variety of health complications, including joint problems, cardiovascular issues, respiratory difficulties, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
4. Treatment for gigantism typically involves medications to suppress growth hormone production, surgery to remove the pituitary adenoma, or a combination of both approaches.
5. Early diagnosis and treatment of gigantism are crucial to prevent the development of severe complications and to help the individual achieve a more normal height and body proportions.

Review Questions

• Explain the primary cause of gigantism and how it differs from acromegaly.
  • Gigantism is primarily caused by excessive production of growth hormone during childhood, before the growth plates have closed. This results in abnormal and excessive growth of the entire body, leading to an individual becoming significantly taller than average. In contrast, acromegaly is caused by excessive growth hormone production in adults, which leads to the enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features, but without the overall increase in body height seen in gigantism.
• Describe the potential health complications associated with untreated gigantism and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
  • Untreated gigantism can lead to a variety of serious health complications, including joint problems, cardiovascular issues, respiratory difficulties, and an increased risk of certain cancers. The excessive growth and enlargement of the body can put significant strain on the body's systems, leading to these complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of gigantism are crucial to prevent the development of these severe complications and to help the individual achieve a more normal height and body proportions, improving their overall health and quality of life.
• Analyze the role of the pituitary gland and growth hormone receptor in the development and treatment of gigantism.
  • Gigantism is most commonly caused by a pituitary adenoma, a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland that secretes excessive growth hormone. This overproduction of growth hormone during childhood, before the growth plates have closed, leads to the abnormal and excessive growth seen in gigantism. The growth hormone receptor, a protein found on the surface of cells, plays a crucial role in mediating the cellular responses that promote growth and development. Treatment for gigantism often involves targeting the pituitary adenoma, either through medications to suppress growth hormone production or through surgical removal, in order to restore normal growth hormone levels and prevent the continued excessive growth of the body.

Related terms

Acromegaly: A condition caused by excessive growth hormone production in adults, leading to enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features, but without increased overall body height.

Pituitary Adenoma: A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that can cause the overproduction of growth hormone, leading to gigantism or acromegaly.

Growth Hormone Receptor: A protein found on the surface of cells that binds to growth hormone, triggering cellular responses that promote growth and development.