GIGANTISM

WHAT IS IT?

• A condition characterized by excessive growth.
• Diagnosed using a blood sample

HOW COMMON IS IT.

• It is extremely rare
• Only 100 reports in USA

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

• Everyone has an equal chance of having it.
• It is not affected by any environmental factors.
• Obtained by a mutated gene

WHAT IS GOING WRONG?

• A tumor on your pituitary
• Too many growth hormones released
• No neurotransmitter is altered

TREATMENT

• Surgery can treat gigantism
• Stops release of growth hormones
• If surgery isn't successful medications are used
• Somatostatin analogs (meds)
• Radiation is an option, with bad side effects

AFFECTS ON FAMILY

• The cost of medical treatment.
• Patient becomes physically imposing.

WORKS CITED

• http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gigantism/overview.html
• http://www.healthline.com/health/gigantism#Overview1
• http://www.thebarrow.org/Neurological_Services/Pituitary_Center/220073