Question 1

What is Gigantism?

Accepted Answer

Gigantism is a rare hormonal disorder characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average during childhood. It is caused by overproduction of growth hormone, typically due to a pituitary adenoma (noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland). The Human Growth Hormone test is the most important test for diagnosing gigantism because it directly measures elevated growth hormone levels in the blood.

Question 2

What causes gigantism?

Accepted Answer

Gigantism is caused by overproduction of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, usually due to a pituitary adenoma. This noncancerous tumor disrupts normal hormone regulation and causes the pituitary gland to release excessive amounts of growth hormone during childhood, when growth plates are still open. The continuous overproduction leads to abnormal bone growth and increased height far beyond normal ranges.

Question 3

What is the best test for gigantism?

Accepted Answer

The Human Growth Hormone test is the most important test for gigantism because it directly measures growth hormone levels in your blood. This test detects elevated growth hormone concentrations that indicate overproduction by the pituitary gland. Your doctor may also order an IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) test, which measures a hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone. Because growth hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day, your healthcare provider may perform a glucose suppression test, where growth hormone is measured after you drink a glucose solution—in healthy individuals, growth hormone levels should drop, but in gigantism, they remain elevated.

Question 4

When should I get tested for gigantism?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if your child shows excessive height growth compared to peers, hands or feet are unusually large for their age, or facial features appear enlarged or coarsened. Other warning signs include delayed puberty, vision problems, headaches, or increased sweating. Early testing is crucial because gigantism is most treatable when caught before growth plates close in adolescence, and untreated cases can lead to serious complications including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of gigantism?

Accepted Answer

The primary symptom of gigantism is abnormally rapid growth and excessive height during childhood. Additional symptoms include unusually large hands and feet, thickened facial features, widely spaced teeth, double vision or difficulty with peripheral vision due to tumor pressure, severe headaches, delayed puberty, irregular menstrual periods in girls, excessive sweating, weakness, and joint pain. Some children may also experience oily skin, deepening voice, and increased body hair growth.

Question 6

Who is at risk for gigantism?

Accepted Answer

Gigantism is extremely rare and can affect any child, though it typically develops between ages 8-17 before growth plates close. Children with certain genetic conditions have higher risk, including Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), McCune-Albright syndrome, Carney complex, and familial isolated pituitary adenoma. Most cases occur randomly without family history. Boys and girls are affected equally, though the condition is diagnosed in fewer than 100 people per million.

Question 7

What happens if gigantism is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated gigantism leads to serious health complications throughout life. The excessive growth hormone causes continued bone and tissue growth, leading to severe arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and debilitating joint pain. Heart complications develop, including enlarged heart and high blood pressure, which increase the risk of heart failure. Patients often develop type 2 diabetes due to growth hormone's effects on insulin. Vision loss can occur from pituitary tumor pressure on optic nerves, and premature death is common without treatment due to cardiovascular complications.

Question 8

Can gigantism be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gigantism can be diagnosed with blood tests measuring growth hormone levels. The Human Growth Hormone test is the primary diagnostic tool, though your doctor will typically order multiple tests because growth hormone levels fluctuate naturally. Blood tests for IGF-1 levels provide additional confirmation, as IGF-1 remains more stable throughout the day. Your healthcare provider may also perform a glucose suppression test to see if growth hormone levels drop appropriately. These blood tests are combined with imaging studies like MRI to visualize the pituitary tumor and confirm the diagnosis.

Question 9

How is gigantism treated?

Accepted Answer

Gigantism treatment focuses on reducing growth hormone production and removing or shrinking the pituitary tumor. Surgery to remove the tumor is the first-line treatment and is often curative if the entire tumor can be safely removed. Medications like somatostatin analogs (octreotide, lanreotide) or growth hormone receptor blockers (pegvisomant) help control hormone levels if surgery is not completely successful. Radiation therapy may be used if surgery and medications do not adequately control growth hormone levels. Regular monitoring with blood tests ensures treatment effectiveness and hormone levels return to normal ranges.

Question 10

How can I prevent gigantism?

Accepted Answer

Gigantism cannot be prevented because it is caused by pituitary tumors that develop spontaneously or due to genetic conditions. However, early detection and treatment can prevent complications and limit excessive growth. If your family has a history of genetic conditions associated with pituitary tumors, genetic counseling and regular screening can help identify problems early. For children diagnosed with gigantism, prompt treatment with surgery or medication can stop further excessive growth and prevent long-term health complications like heart disease and diabetes.

Question 11

What can I do at home for gigantism?

Accepted Answer

While gigantism requires medical treatment, supportive home care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Maintain a healthy diet low in sugar to reduce diabetes risk, and engage in low-impact exercises like swimming to strengthen muscles without stressing joints. Ensure adequate sleep, as growth hormone is naturally released during sleep and proper rest supports overall health. Work with physical therapists for exercises that reduce joint pain and maintain mobility. Regular blood test monitoring helps track treatment effectiveness. Emotional support is crucial, as children with gigantism may face social challenges due to their appearance, so consider counseling or support groups.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Gigantism Blood Test

What is Gigantism?

What causes gigantism?

What is the best test for gigantism?

When should I get tested for gigantism?

References

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