The term Acromegaly stems from the Greek words “akros”, the extremities, and “megaly”, meaning enlarged, describing a condition where the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, leading to enlarged extremities, mainly affecting the hands and feet. It is a rare condition and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can affect people of all ages.
Sources:
- NHS UK: Acromegaly: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acromegaly/ (accessed 27. July 2020)
- John Hopkins Medicine: Acromegaly: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/pituitary_center/conditions/acromegaly.html (accessed 27. July 2020)
- Melmed S. et al. Causes and clinical manifestations of acromegaly. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/causes-and-clinical-manifestations-of-acromegaly
