Question

Describe what doctors believe causes gigantism, which hormone is mainly associated with this condition, and two health conditions that may result from having gigantism.

Answer 1

f your child’s doctor suspects gigantism, they may recommend a blood test to measure levels of growth hormones and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is a hormone produced by the liver. The doctor also may recommend an oral glucose tolerance test.During an oral glucose tolerance test, your child will drink a special beverage containing glucose, a type of sugar. Blood samples will be taken before and after your child drinks the beverage. In a normal body, growth hormone levels will drop after eating or drinking glucose. If your child’s levels remain the same, it means their body is producing too much growth hormone.If the blood tests indicate a pituitary gland tumor, your child will need an MRI scan of the gland. Doctors use this scan to see the size and position of the tumor.TREATMENTHow Is Gigantism Treated?Treatments for gigantism aim to stop or slow your child’s production of growth hormones.SurgeryRemoving the tumor is the preferred treatment for gigantism if it’s the underlying cause.The surgeon will reach the tumor by making an incision in your child’s nose. Microscopes or small cameras may be used to help the surgeon see the tumor in the gland. In most cases, your child should be able to return home from the hospital the day after the surgery.MedicationSurgery may not be an option. This can be the case if there’s high risk of injury to a critical blood vessel or nerve. Your child’s doctor may recommend medication if surgery is not an option. This treatment is meant to either shrink the tumor or stop the production of excess growth hormone. Your doctor may use the drugs octreotide or lanreotide to prevent the growth hormone’s release. These drugs mimic another hormone that stops growth hormone production. They’re usually given as an injection about once a month.Bromocriptine and cabergoline are drugs that can be used to lower growth hormone levels. These are typically given in pill form. They may be used with octreotide. Octreotide is a synthetic hormone that, when injected, can also lower the levels of growth hormones and IGF-1. In situations where these drugs are not helpful, daily shots of pegvisomant might be used as well. Pegvisomant is a drug that blocks the effects of growth hormones. This lowers the levels of IGF-1 in your child’s body.Gamma Knife RadiosurgeryGamma knife radiosurgery is an option if your child’s doctor believes that a traditional surgery isn’t possible. The “gamma knife” is a collection of highly focused radiation beams. These beams don’t harm the surrounding tissue, but they’re able to deliver a powerful dose of radiation at the point where they combine and hit the tumor. This dose is enough to destroy the tumor.Gamma knife treatment takes years to be fully effective and to return the levels of growth hormone to normal. It’s performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthetic.However, since the radiation in this type of surgery has been linked to obesity, learning disabilities, and emotional issues in children, it’s usually used only when other treatment options don’t work.OUTLOOKLong-Term Outlook for Children with GigantismAccording to St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, 80 percent of gigantism cases are cured with surgery. If the tumor returns or if surgery cannot be safely attempted, medications can be used to reduce your child’s symptoms and to allow them to live a long and fulfilling life.