Symptoms:
The physical characteristics of Acromegaly typically develop very slowly over several decades. Symptoms vary depending on how long the patient has had the disease. The following are the most common symptoms:
- Soft tissue swelling of the hands and feet
- Protruding jaw
- Enlarged lips, nose and tongue
- Voice deepening
- Snoring
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Fatigue and weakness
Tests to diagnose:
The diagnosis of Acromegaly is confirmed by Growth Hormone Suppression Test. Other tests like Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 levels, X-rays, MRI and CT scan can also be used to detect acromegaly.
Treatment:
Treatment options are surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and injection of a growth hormone blocking drug like bromocriptine.