http://neurosurgery.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=1123&ref=2&action=detailPhoto #1 - Enlargement of the hands
Photo #2 - Enlargement of facial features
Photo #3 - Increased number of skin tags
The hormonal effects associated with acromegaly can cause a wide array of symptoms, including:
The most commonly notice symptom is abnormal enlargement of the hands and feet. Rings no longer fit. Enlargement of the feet may require increasingly larger shoe size. The distal fingers and toes are widenned, sometimes referred to as "paddle" toes. The hands feel soft and doughy. (Photo #1 at right >>)
Changes in facial features are also common, and sometimes quite prominent. This can include enlargement of forehead and jaw with pronounced under bite, spreading teeth and enlarging tongue. The nose and lips may enlarge as well (Photo #2 at right >>).
The changes in facial features occur slowly, and often disregarded for many years.
Changes of the skin are common in acromegaly. These include an increased number of skin tags
(Photo #3 at right >>). There may be oily skin and excessive sweating.
Increased soft tissue in the wrists can lead to compression of nerves, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve)
Sleep apnea is common in acromegalic patients
Arthritis
Headache
Serious conditions related to long-standing, untreated acromegaly include
high blood pressure
diabetes mellitus
heart disease, including heart failure due to heart enlargement
acromegalic patients are at increased risk of colon polyps and colon cancer
Possible symptoms related to pituitary damage caused by a large tumor (with macroadenomas) include
Tiredness and fatigue
Depression
Impotence and loss of sex drive
Interrupted menstrual cycle
Production of breast milk