Definition:
Gigantism is abnormally large growth due to an excess of growth hormone during childhood, before the bone growth plates have closed.
Alternative Names:
Giantism
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The most common cause of too much growth hormone release is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the pituitary gland. Other causes include: Carney complex Neurofibromatosis
If excess growth hormone occurs after normal bone growth has stopped, the condition is known as acromegaly. Gigantism is very rare.
References:
Melmed S, Kleinberg D. Anterior pituitary. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 8.
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