Susan Samson, MD, PhD, of Baylor College of Medicine explains why it often takes 5 to 10 years for a person with acromegaly to be properly diagnosed. This is extremely problematic given that treatments are available for this condition.
Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder usually caused by a benign pituitary tumor that results in excess production of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 hormone.
As Dr. Samson explains in this interview, acromegaly is a slowly progressing disease so slight changes in bone structure may not be noticed. In many cases, it is a family member or a family physician who will first suspect there is an underlying medical condition to the observed changes.
Dr. Samson also notes that one medical professional well suited to spot acromegaly is the dentist since many acromegaly patients have dramatic shifts in their jaw that a dentist could easily recognize.
For more information about acromegaly and other rare endocrine disorders, go to checkrare.com/endocrine-disorders/
