gigantism, pituitary

gigantism, pituitary Extreme growth in height caused by oversecretion of growth hormone (somatotrophin) by the anterior pituitary gland. Other features of pituitary gigantism include thickening of the skin, enlargement of the bones, and elongation of the jaw and other areas. Pituitary gigantism may be caused by an adenoma of the pituitary gland, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, or other causes. Treatment is usually possible with hormones, surgery, or both. See also acromegaly.