Most people diagnosed with acromegaly are aged between 30 and 50 years of age, with men and women affected equally.
Very rarely (less than 1% of cases) acromegaly can be diagnosed in children and adolescents. Children and adolescents will, however, develop gigantism, whereas adults develop acromegaly.
Acromegaly does sometimes run in families, but most of the time it’s not inherited.
Adenomas usually develop spontaneously because of a genetic change in a cell of the pituitary gland. This change causes uncontrolled growth of the affected cells, creating the tumour. Acromegaly does not occur because of any lifestyle choices or dietary reasons.
Find out how acromegaly is diagnosed and the tests that healthcare professionals may use to assess acromegaly symptoms
Diagnosis & TestingRead about acromegaly treatment options, including surgery, medications and radiotherapy, and the goals of therapy
Treating acromegalyRead and hear answers to some common questions that patients with acromegaly have asked
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