Acromegaly vs. Gigantism

Acromegalynoun

(disease) A chronic disease marked by enlargement of the bones of the extremities, face, and jaw that is caused by over-activity of the pituitary gland.

Acromegalynoun

Chronic enlargement of the extremities and face.

Acromegalynoun

enlargement of bones of hands and feet and face; often accompanied by headache and muscle pain and emotional disturbances; caused by overproduction of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland (due to a tumor)

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a disorder that results from excess growth hormone (GH) after the growth plates have closed. The initial symptom is typically enlargement of the hands and feet.

Gigantismnoun

The quality or state of being gigantic; being of abnormally large size.

Gigantismnoun

A condition where there is over-production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland in a child before the bone growth plates close, resulting in excessive long bone growth, accompanied by muscular weakness and sexual impotence.

Gigantismnoun

excessive size; usually caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland

Gigantismnoun

excessive largeness of stature

Gigantism

Gigantism (Greek: γίγας, gígas, , plural γίγαντες, gígantes), also known as giantism, is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average. In humans, this condition is caused by over-production of growth hormone in childhood, resulting in people 2.1 to 2.7 m (7 to 9 ft) in height.It is a rare disorder resulting from increased levels of growth hormone before the fusion of the growth plate which usually occurs at some point soon after puberty.