What almost always causes Acromegaly in adults after growth plates fuse?
Answer
A benign pituitary tumor (adenoma) secreting excess GH
Acromegaly is the disorder characterized by excessive growth in adults, occurring after the skeletal growth plates have fused, meaning the individual cannot grow taller (gigantism). The underlying pathology for this condition is almost universally linked to overactivity in the pituitary gland. Specifically, a benign tumor, known as an adenoma, develops on the pituitary gland and secretes an abnormally high volume of Growth Hormone (GH). This excess GH drives the overproduction of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which subsequently causes the slow, progressive enlargement of soft tissues, bones, and cartilage in the extremities and face.
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