What Is a Pituitary GH Tumor?

A pituitary GH tumor, also known as a growth hormone-secreting adenoma, is a benign tumor that develops in the pituitary gland and causes excessive production of growth hormone (GH). This condition arises when specialized cells in the anterior pituitary begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to abnormally high levels of growth hormone in the bloodstream. The clinical manifestations vary significantly depending on the patient's age at onset, particularly whether the skeletal system has completed growth.

Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: Gigantism

When a GH-secreting tumor develops before the closure of the epiphyseal growth plates—typically during childhood or adolescence—the excess growth hormone stimulates prolonged and accelerated linear bone growth. This results in a condition known as gigantism, characterized by unusually tall stature and disproportionately long limbs. Affected individuals may grow well beyond the normal height range for their genetic background, often leading to joint pain, cardiovascular strain, and other systemic complications if left untreated.

Symptoms in Adults: Acromegaly

In adults, after the growth plates have fused, excessive growth hormone no longer increases height but instead causes progressive thickening of bones and soft tissues—a condition called acromegaly. One of the most noticeable signs is enlargement of the hands and feet, often requiring changes in ring or shoe size over time.

Facial Changes and Physical Appearance

Prominent facial transformations are common in acromegaly, including protrusion of the lower jaw (prognathism), widening of the nose, increased spacing between teeth, and thickening of the lips and skin. These gradual changes can alter a person's appearance significantly, sometimes described as coarsening of facial features. Because these shifts occur slowly, they may go unnoticed by the individual but are often observed by friends or family.

Systemic Health Complications

Beyond physical changes, uncontrolled GH secretion leads to a wide range of metabolic and cardiovascular issues. Patients are at higher risk for developing hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea, which manifests as loud snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep. Additionally, there is an increased incidence of heart disease, colon polyps, and joint disorders due to chronic tissue overgrowth.

Diagnosis and Treatment Outlook

Early diagnosis through blood tests measuring insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and imaging studies like MRI is crucial. Treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor, medical therapy with somatostatin analogs or GH receptor antagonists, and in some cases, radiation therapy. With timely intervention, many symptoms can be managed effectively, reducing long-term health risks and improving quality of life.