endocrine
Gigantism
Gigantism, also known as giantism, is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average. Technically, it includes humans with height at least three standard deviations above the mean. This condition is caused by over-production of growth in childhood.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Abnormal growth in height or size, weakness and insomnia
Causes — why it happens
- ·Hyperplasia in the pituitary gland
Treatment
- ·Surgically remove the enlarged pituitary gland
Complications
- ·Excessive sweating, delayed puberty, weakness and severe or recurrent headaches, strokes, vomiting or , high fevers, daytime sleepiness or narcolepsy, dry mouth, frequent diarrheas, stomachaches, ear pains, memory loss, back pains, excessive muscle cramps, chest pains
More in Thyroid & Hormones
HypothyroidismHyperthyroidismGoitreHashimoto's thyroiditisGraves' diseaseThyroid cancerCushing's syndromeAddison's diseaseAcromegalyHyperparathyroidismDiabetes insipidusPheochromocytoma
See all of Thyroid & Hormones →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.