Abstract
2/2024
vol. 23
Review paper
Acromegaly from a Head and Neck Surgeon’s perspective
- Klinika Endokrynologii, Przemiany Materii i Chorób Wewnętrznych, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu
- Klinika Otolaryngologii i Onkologii Laryngologicznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu
Postępy w Chirurgii Głowy i Szyi 2024; 23 (47): 21–23
Online publish date: 2025/03/04
Acromegaly is a rare, chronic disease caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), usually due to an adenoma of the anterior pituitary gland. It manifests through gradually progressing somatic changes, including characteristic alterations in the face and oral cavity. Typical symptoms include mandibular overgrowth leading to prognathism, macroglossia, soft tissue hypertrophy, and diastemas. These changes often appear long before the disease is diagnosed and can be crucial for early detection. Dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, or otolaryngologists who observe signs such as altered facial proportions, mandibular overgrowth, diastemas, or macroglossia can contribute to early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment. Even if pharmacological treatment does not reverse all changes, specialized dental and surgical interventions can significantly improve the quality of life for patients.
Keywords
acromegaly, growth hormone, facial dysmorphia, head and neck
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