{"id":11351,"date":"2025-07-26T23:26:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T21:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/?p=11351"},"modified":"2025-07-26T23:26:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T21:26:10","slug":"gigantizm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/","title":{"rendered":"Gigantism"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fpm_start\"><\/div>\n<p>Gigantism is an endocrine disorder characterized by increased growth and, in most cases, an increase in the size of internal organs, which is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (somatotropin) before the body is fully mature. The main cause of the disease is a pituitary tumor called an adenoma, which promotes excessive production of growth hormone. Gigantism can lead to serious physical and psycho-emotional disorders, including dysmorphophobia and social isolation, which makes early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment especially important. <\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 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href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%98%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B8_%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%8B\" >History of the disease and interesting historical facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%AD%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Epidemiology<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%BA_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D1%83_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8E\" >Genetic predisposition to this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%A4%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%8B_%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Risk factors for the development of this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%94%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Diagnosis of this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%9B%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5\" >Treatment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BA_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >List of medications used to treat this disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Disease monitoring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\" >Age-related features of the disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/medlibrary\/gigantism\/#%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%8B_%D0%B8_%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B\" >Questions and Answers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%98%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B8_%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%8B\"><\/span>History of the disease and interesting historical facts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Gigantism has been known to mankind since ancient times, and its manifestations have often led to discussion in myths and legends of various cultures. One of the first documented cases of gigantism was the case of the Roman gladiator Gigante, whose height reached 2.7 meters. In the Middle Ages, cases of gigantism were often explained by mystical causes, which hindered the scientific understanding of the disease. Since the beginning of the 20th century, scientific research on hormones, in particular somatotropic hormone, began to clarify the causes of gigantism, as well as methods for its diagnosis and treatment. Modern data show that the knowledge accumulated to date about endocrine disorders and genetic mutations has significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%AD%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Epidemiology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to statistics, gigantism occurs in approximately 3-4 people per 1 million, which makes it a rare disease. However, more than 75% of all cases are diagnosed in children and adolescents aged 10 to 16 years. The prevalence among men and women varies significantly, although historically there has been a slight predisposition in men. Equally important is the study of high-risk groups, which typically include children with a family history of pituitary disorders.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%BA_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%D1%83_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8E\"><\/span>Genetic predisposition to this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Gigantism may occur as a result of hereditary factors. In most cases, mutations are found in genes responsible for growth regulation. One of the key genes involved in the development of this disease is the GHR gene, which encodes the growth hormone receptor, as well as multifunctional genetic changes that cause the development of adenomas. In some cases, there is a hereditary form of the disease, which is confirmed by family cases of gigantism, but in most cases, genetic predisposition does not play a determining role.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%A4%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%8B_%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Risk factors for the development of this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Risk factors for gigantism vary, but several key categories can be identified, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Physical factors: head injuries that damage the pituitary gland.<\/li>\n<li>Chemical factors: the impact of carcinogens and toxins on the endocrine system.<\/li>\n<li>Other medical conditions: such as diseases that cause age-related changes in the growth regulatory system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Risk factors also include developmental anomalies and specific syndromes, such as Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, and disorders in the endocrine gland regulatory system.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%94%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Diagnosis of this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The process of diagnosing gigantism includes several stages and is based on the analysis of the clinical picture and laboratory tests. The main symptoms indicating the presence of the disease:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Excessive growth in height and length of arms and legs.<\/li>\n<li>Increase in head size.<\/li>\n<li>Changes in the dental system.<\/li>\n<li>Problems with joints and ligaments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Laboratory tests that help confirm the diagnosis include measuring levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the blood. Radiological examinations, such as MRI of the brain, are critical to identify possible pituitary tumors. Other diagnostic methods may include genetic testing to determine predisposition. Differential diagnosis can exclude diseases such as acromegaly and hypothalamic dysfunction syndrome, which require in-depth analysis.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%9B%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5\"><\/span>Treatment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Treatment of gigantism includes several areas, including:<\/p><script data-noptimize=\"\" data-wpfc-render=\"false\">\nfpm_start( \"true\" );\n<\/script>\n\n<ul>\n<li>General treatment: lifestyle and dietary modifications, specialized recommendations for people with obesity.<\/li>\n<li>Pharmacological treatment: use of dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine, as well as growth hormone antagonists.<\/li>\n<li>Surgical treatment: removal of the pituitary tumor with subsequent rehabilitation of the hormonal state.<\/li>\n<li>Other treatments include radiotherapy to reduce the productivity of the adenoma, as well as psychological support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The effectiveness of the chosen method should be based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the degree of manifestation of the disease.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BA_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>List of medications used to treat this disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Today, among the pharmacological agents used to treat gigantism, the following stand out:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bromocriptine;<\/li>\n<li>Cabergoline;<\/li>\n<li>Lanreotide;<\/li>\n<li>Octreotide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These drugs help control growth hormone levels and improve the quality of life of patients with gigantism.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B3_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Disease monitoring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Monitoring of patients with gigantism includes regular examinations by an endocrinologist, as well as monitoring of hormone levels and possible complications, such as diabetes or hypertension. The prognosis depends on the degree of neglect of the disease, as well as the time of the start and quality of the treatment. Complications may include a significant deterioration in emotional state and physical health.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F\"><\/span>Age-related features of the disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Gigantism manifests itself differently in different age groups. In children, the disease is characterized by a sharp increase in growth and can lead to problems in adaptation at school and in a group. Adolescents may experience significant anxiety and low self-esteem due to physical discomfort and psychosocial problems. In adulthood, concomitant somatic diseases and the need for a more combined approach to therapy are more likely.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%8B_%D0%B8_%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B\"><\/span>Questions and Answers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What is gigantism?<\/strong><br \/>\nGigantism is a condition caused by excess production of growth hormone during childhood, resulting in excessive growth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What are the symptoms of gigantism?<\/strong><br \/>\nSymptoms include increased growth, changes in the dental system, and joint deformities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Can gigantism be inherited?<\/strong><br \/>\nSome forms of gigantism may have a genetic predisposition, but in most cases the disease occurs spontaneously.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How is gigantism treated?<\/strong><br \/>\nTreatment may include medication, surgery, and psychotherapeutic support.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How often is it necessary to undergo examination for gigantism?<\/strong><br \/>\nIt is recommended to undergo examinations at least once every 6 months to monitor hormone levels and overall health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Dr. Oleg Korzhikov suggests that his patients pay attention to the following recommendations: &quot;It is important to remember the need for regular medical examinations and a timely visit to a specialist when symptoms appear. Treatment should be started as early as possible, as this allows not only to slow down the progression of the disease, but also to significantly improve the quality of life. Do not forget about the importance of psycho-emotional comfort, which can also contribute to improving the general condition.&quot;<\/p>\n<div class=\"fpm_end\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gigantism is an endocrine disease characterized by increased growth and, in most cases, an increase in the size of internal organs, which is caused by excessive secretion<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medlibrary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11351"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15864,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11351\/revisions\/15864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valintermed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}