Acromegaly vs. Gigantism — What's the Difference?

Acromegaly is caused by excess growth hormone.

Gigantism is a growth disorder leading to excessive height.

Acromegaly typically develops in adults.

Gigantism occurs during childhood.

Often caused by a pituitary tumor.

Gigantism involves rapid and abnormal growth.

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder causing enlargement of body parts.

Often due to a pituitary tumor.

Acromegaly includes symptoms like enlarged facial features.

Gigantism (Greek: γίγας, gígas, "giant", plural γίγαντες, gígantes), also known as giantism, is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average. In humans, this condition is caused by over-production of growth hormone in childhood, resulting in people 2.1 to 2.7 m (7 to 9 ft) in height.It is a rare disorder resulting from increased levels of growth hormone before the fusion of the growth plate which usually occurs at some point soon after puberty.

Acromegaly is a disorder that results from excess growth hormone (GH) after the growth plates have closed. The initial symptom is typically enlargement of the hands and feet.

The quality or state of being gigantic; abnormally large size.

A chronic disorder caused by overproduction of human growth hormone usually by the pituitary gland, characterized by enlargement of the bones of the extremities and the skull and often by the development of complications such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis.

Excessive growth of the body or any of its parts, especially as a result of oversecretion of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Also called giantism.

(disease) A chronic disease marked by enlargement of the bones of the extremities, face, and jaw that is caused by over-activity of the pituitary gland.

The quality or state of being gigantic; being of abnormally large size.

Chronic enlargement of the extremities and face.

A condition where there is over-production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland in a child before the bone growth plates close, resulting in excessive long bone growth, accompanied by muscular weakness and sexual impotence.

Enlargement of bones of hands and feet and face; often accompanied by headache and muscle pain and emotional disturbances; caused by overproduction of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland (due to a tumor)

Excessive size; usually caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland

Excessive largeness of stature

Gigantism is caused by overproduction of growth hormone.

Treatment can manage symptoms and control growth, but a complete "cure" depends on the condition's severity.

Enlarged hands, feet, facial features, and joint pain are common.

Acromegaly is often caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland.

It's not typically hereditary and usually occurs sporadically.

Diagnosis involves hormonal tests, MRI scans, and physical examinations.

No, acromegaly occurs in adults. In children, it's called gigantism.

It causes rapid and excessive growth, leading to abnormal height.

Acromegaly occurs in adults; gigantism occurs in children.

Since it's often due to a pituitary tumor, it's not generally preventable.

Yes, it can cause joint pain, cardiovascular problems, and more.

If untreated, it can reduce life expectancy due to related health issues.

Surgery, medication, and radiation therapy are common treatments.

Complications can include diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.

It varies but can lead to rapid growth over a short period.