Word parts
acr/o extremities (hands and feet)-megaly enlargement
What it means
It is usually caused by a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland. Over years, the hands, feet, jaw, nose and lips grow larger, and so do inner organs, which leads to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and sleep apnea. Too much growth hormone in a child, before the bones stop growing, causes gigantism instead. Treatment is surgery, drugs or radiation.
For the nurse
After pituitary surgery through the nose, teach the client not to cough, sneeze, blow the nose or bend over, and report clear fluid dripping from the nose.
At a glance
| Spanish | acromegalia |
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Related terms
hypothalamus
A small area at the base of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and many hormones.