Susan Samson, MD, PhD, of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL talks about the need to educate dentists about acromegaly.
Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder in which the body secretes too much growth hormone in adulthood, usually as a result of a pituitary tumor. Since the increased growth hormone occurs past puberty, the changes in bone structure can be very gradual. As a result, it can take several years for a person with acromegaly to be diagnosed.
However, one health care professional who may likely notice the subtle changes in bone structure is the dentist. Unexplainable changes in jaw and/or teeth alignment are often the earliest measurable signs of acromegaly and dentists are in the position to recognize those changes and assist in the diagnostic journey.
To learn more about acromegaly and other endocrine disorders, visit checkrare.com/diseases/endocrine-disorders/