An Overview of Gigantism

Gigantism is when an individual is growing abnormally. The condition begins in early childhood, as a result of the body releasing too much of the human growth hormone. Individuals with gigantism grow at a rapid rate, and they are always much taller than their peers. This growth will continue until the bone growth plate's close. The alternative name for this disorder is gigantism. Those who are familiar with this disorder usually refer to it by using the alternative name (Ferry).

Causes of Gigantism

Gigantism has five known causes. The most common cause of gigantism is a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. It is this tumor that causes the pituitary gland to secrete abnormally large amounts of the human growth hormone (Ferry).

The four other causes of Gigantism are Carney complex, McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), and Neurofibromatosis. Of course, these causes are not as common (Ferry). Concerning the four other causes of gigantism, an EMedicine article states, "Approximately 20% of patients with gigantism have MAS (the triad of precocious puberty, café au lait spots, fibrous dysplasia) and may have either pituitary hyperplasia or adenomas" (Ferry).

When Gigantism Occurs

Gigantism can occur at any age. The onset of the disorder can occur as early as infancy; however, it typically occurs between the ages of five and fifteen with the median age being eight years (Ferry).

Gigantism and Adulthood

When an individual with gigantism reaches adulthood, the excessive secretion of the human growth hormone usually stops. Sometimes, however, the human growth hormone continues to secrete at large volumes into adulthood. When this occurs, this is known as acromegaly (Ferry)...

Instances of Gigantism

Gigantism is not a common disorder. Very few people have it. In the United States, there have been one hundred cases of gigantism that have been reported to date. Of course, there are more cases than those that are reported because some cases go undiagnosed, as the condition may be attributed to other factors, such as genetics, since there are people who are abnormally tall who do not have gigantism. This may cause doctors to overlook the condition. Nevertheless, the condition is exceedingly rare, and there is still a lot that is unknown about it (Ferry).

Work Cited

Ferry, Robert J. "Gigantism and Acromegaly." EMedicineHealth. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Aug. 2010.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/925446-overview.