Growth hormone: Caused by pituitary tumors

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Jamie J. Van Gompel, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Irina Bancos, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota, discuss pituitary tumors that produce growth hormone. Pituitary tumors are common and often don't cause problems. But some pituitary tumors secrete growth hormone — leading to a syndrome that's characterized by soft tissue growth and swelling (acromegaly).

Dr. Bancos notes that acromegaly develops very slowly and is often overlooked. She outlines the syndrome's indications, including coarsened facial features and changes in shoe size. Dr. Van Gompel explains the importance of timely treatment to halt acromegaly. Minimally invasive or open surgery to remove the tumor is often recommended. Treatment might also involve medication or radiation therapy or both.

Dr. Van Gompel provides an overview of the various types of surgery and radiation therapy that are available.