Understanding Gigantism: Symptoms and Treatment
Gigantism causes excessive growth in children due to high growth hormone levels. Learn about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for effective management.
Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 31st Aug, 2025
Gigantism is a rare but serious medical condition that affects growth, primarily in children and adolescents. If left untreated, it can lead to significant health complications. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help patients and their families manage the condition effectively.
What is Gigantism?
Gigantism is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces excessive growth hormone (GH) during childhood or adolescence, before the growth plates in the bones have closed. This leads to abnormally rapid and excessive growth in height, muscle, and organs.
How is it Different from Acromegaly?
While gigantism occurs in children, acromegaly is a similar condition that develops in adults after bone growth has stopped. In acromegaly, bones thicken rather than lengthen, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.
Symptoms of Gigantism
The most obvious sign of gigantism is unusually rapid growth compared to peers. Other symptoms may include:
Excessive height (much taller than average for age)
Large hands and feet
Coarse facial features (broad nose, thick lips, protruding jaw)
Joint pain due to rapid bone growth
Headaches (caused by pressure from a pituitary tumor)
Vision problems (if the tumor presses on the optic nerve)
Delayed puberty (in some cases)
Weakness or fatigue
If you notice these symptoms in your child, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation.
Causes of Gigantism
The primary cause of gigantism is overproduction of growth hormone (GH), usually due to a non-cancerous tumor (adenoma) in the pituitary gland. Rarely, genetic conditions like McCune-Albright syndrome or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) can also lead to gigantism.
How Gigantism Affects Health
If untreated, gigantism can lead to serious complications, including:
Cardiovascular problems (enlarged heart, high blood pressure)
Diabetes (due to insulin resistance)
Arthritis (joint damage from rapid growth)
Nerve compression (leading to pain or numbness)
Hormonal imbalances (affecting thyroid, adrenal glands, or reproductive health)
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term health issues.
Consult Top Specialists
Diagnosis of Gigantism
If gigantism is suspected, doctors may recommend:
1. Blood tests – To measure growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels.
2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) – Normally, GH levels drop after sugar intake; in gigantism, they remain high.
3. MRI scan – To detect a pituitary tumor.
4. X-rays – To check bone growth patterns.
Treatment Options for Gigantism
Treatment aims to normalize growth hormone levels and manage symptoms. Options include:
1. Surgery
The first-line treatment is pituitary tumor removal (transsphenoidal surgery).
Success depends on tumor size and location.
2. Medications
Somatostatin analogs (Octreotide, Lanreotide) – Reduce GH production.
Dopamine agonists (Cabergoline, Bromocriptine) – Help lower GH levels.
GH receptor antagonists (Pegvisomant) – Block GH effects.
3. Radiation Therapy
Used if surgery and medications don’t work.
May take years to show full effect.
4. Hormone Replacement Therapy
If the pituitary gland is damaged, thyroid, adrenal, or sex hormones may need replacement.
Lifestyle and Dietary Tips
While medical treatment is essential, certain lifestyle changes can help manage gigantism:
Balanced diet – Focus on calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
Regular exercise – Helps maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility.
Monitoring growth – Keep track of height and weight changes.
Managing complications – Regular check-ups for diabetes, heart health, and joint care.
When to See a Doctor?
If your child is growing much faster than peers or shows signs like enlarged hands/feet, joint pain, or vision problems, consult an endocrinologist immediately. Early intervention can prevent complications.
Need Help? Book a Consultation Today!
If you suspect gigantism or need expert advice, Apollo24|7 offers specialized consultations with endocrinologists and diagnostic tests to help manage the condition effectively.
Final Thoughts
Gigantism is a rare but manageable condition with the right medical care. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking treatment can significantly improve quality of life. If you have concerns about abnormal growth in your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Mary Susan K S
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Dr. Shruthi B
Endocrinologist
20 Years • MBBS,MD ( GEN MED) DM (ENDOCRIONOLOGY)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Dilip Joseph Wilson
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
30 Years • MBBS, DT M&H, DFFP, DIP.IIST
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Dr Venkata Naga Sai Tribhushan Rambhatla
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. B Rachana
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes, Fellowship in Applied Nutrition,CCEBDM(Diabetes)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
