Genetically speaking, the causes of acromegaly are still relatively unknown. Scientists are aware that the disorder arises from a tumor on the pituitary gland. They know that the tumor forms from pituitary gland cells, but the gene responsible for the tumor's development is unknown.
There is a condition called familial acromegaly. This disorder occurs due to a gene on chromosome 11. "Familial acromegaly is transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern—which means that it has an equal chance of affecting both boys and girls in a single family." This condition can also cause tumors to form in other parts of the body. They have occurred on the parathyroid and the pancreas.
Another disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia-1, occurs due to a gene in chromosome 11. In this disorder about half the patients with this gene will develop acromegaly.
Treatment of acromegaly consists of surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and medications.
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