Acromegaly affects approximately 50 to 70 people per million. It is estimated that 3 to 11 people out of every million develop acromegaly each year. Because symptoms often develop slowly, diagnosis may be delayed by years or decades, making it difficult to determine the total number of people with the disease.1
In 98% of all reported cases, acromegaly is caused by an adenoma (i.e., benign tumour) of the pituitary gland that secretes excessive growth hormone (GH).2
Serious health conditions are associated with the progression of acromegaly, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disorders, arthritis and bowel polyps which can progress into bowel cancer if left untreated.3
Treated through surgery, radiation and injectable or oral medication. In some instances acromegaly is curable.3
References
1. National Organisation for Rare Disorders (NORD). Acromegaly. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/acromegaly/#:~:text=Acromegaly%20is%20a%20rare%20disorder%20that%20affects%20males%20and%20females,develop%20the%20disorder%20each%20year. Last accessed July 2021
2. Acromegaly Support. What causes acromegaly? Available at: https://acromegalysupport.com/what-causes-acromegaly/ Last accessed July 2021
3. NHS. Acromegaly. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acromegaly/. Last accessed July 2021
AMYT/ALL/005