E22: Hyperfunction of pituitary gland

E22.0: Acromegaly and pituitary gigantism

There can be too many growth messenger substances in the body if, for example, tissue in the pituitary gland multiplies. This type of tissue accretion is usually benign. The pituitary gland is a gland in the brain. Many messenger substances are created for the body in this gland. These messenger substances influence growth, metabolism and sex hormones, for example.

A child that has too many growth messenger substances in their body will grow to be very large. If the person is an adult when the disorder begins, only certain parts of the body will grow. For example, these can be the nose, forehead, tongue or hands. The inner organs can also become larger as a result. You may moreover have headaches and impaired vision. Or you will be much more tired than normal.