What is gigantism?

Gigantism is a rare condition that causes abnormal growth in children. The                           , a pea-sized organ at the base of the brain, is responsible for releasing growth hormone. When too much growth hormone is released, it causes the body to grow much faster than usual (the opposite happens for dwarfism). Because of a tumor pressing on the pituitary gland, the gland doesn’t know when to stop growing like it usually does. When gigantism starts as an adult, it's called acromegaly.

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What are the symptoms?

Besides growing crazy fast, there are other symptoms associated with gigantism. These include headaches, weakness, vision problems, delayed puberty and issues with their joints or heart. People with gigantism usually have large hands & feet, thick toes & fingers, and coarse facial features. The average lifespan of someone with gigantism is 20 to 30 years, but they can live longer if the condition is treated.

 

How can it be treated?

Usually, gigantism is treated with surgery that removes the pituitary tumor. Back in Robert’s time, attempting surgery was risky and dangerous, which resulted in Robert continuing to grow and have problems associated with gigantism. Today, surgery is much safer and is the most common approach to treating it. Other treatments include medication to help shrink the tumor or radiation therapy. However, both of these can take 5 to 10 years to show signs of improvement, so surgery is considered to be the best solution.

 

What other issues are there?

People with gigantism face many of challenges in their everyday lives, just like anyone with a condition does. Although they can reach things easily and play sports like basketball, being seven to (almost) nine feet tall isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. They have to duck through doorways constantly, deal with stares from other people and have custom things made like clothes, shoes and furniture. Despite all these issues, they stand tall (pun not intended!) and try to live the best life they can despite their condition, just like Robert did.