My cousin has acromegaly... is it so terrible as they say?

Argentina
March 25, 2010 1:50pm CST
Hi everybody, I was desolated to find my younger cousin has acromegaly... I don't know much about the disease, but the doctor says he may have to undergo brain surgery... Here's what Wikipedia says about it: Acromegaly is a syndrome that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH) after epiphyseal plate closure at puberty. A number of disorders may increase the pituitary's GH output, although most commonly it involves a GH producing tumor called pituitary adenoma, derived from a distinct type of cell (somatotrophs). Acromegaly most commonly affects adults in middle age, and can result in severe disfigurement, serious complicating conditions, and premature death if unchecked. Because of its insidious pathogenesis and slow progression, the disease is hard to diagnose in the early stages and is frequently missed for many years, until changes in external features, especially of the face, become noticeable. Acromegaly is often also associated with gigantism. Is it really that terrible or can he have a normal life? Do you guys know anyone who had it and got well? Please tell me your experience! Thank you so much!
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