Gigantism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gigantism?
An endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone problems, usually leads care for gigantism. Children are often seen by a pediatric endocrinologist, a hormone doctor for children. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is gigantism?
Gigantism is abnormal growth in children. It is very rare. It happens when the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, makes too much growth hormone (GH). GH is the hormone that helps the body grow.
The extra GH makes the child grow too much in height, muscles, and organs. Gigantism is different from acromegaly. Acromegaly happens when too much GH is made after the bones have stopped growing, at the end of puberty.
Symptoms
The main sign is excessive growth in height. The child becomes extremely large for his or her age. Other signs include:
- Large hands and feet with thick fingers and toes.
- A prominent forehead and jaw, and thicker facial features.
- Gaps between the teeth.
- Headaches.
- Double vision or trouble seeing to the side.
- Delayed puberty, which means puberty starts late.
- Irregular periods.
- Joint pain and weakness.
- Sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
- Increased sweating.
- Voice changes.
Over time, too much GH can harm the bones, joints, and heart. Long-term effects on these areas are common. High blood pressure and blood sugar problems can also happen.
Causes and who gets it
The most common cause is a noncancerous (benign) tumor in the pituitary gland. Benign means the tumor is not cancer. A few cases are caused by inherited conditions. These include:
- Carney complex, a genetic disease that causes benign tumors of the skin, heart, and hormone glands.
- McCune-Albright syndrome, a genetic disease that affects the bones and skin color.
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a genetic disease in which one or more hormone glands become overactive or form tumors.
- Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA), an inherited condition that causes noncancerous tumors in the pituitary gland.
Some FIPA cases are caused by changes in a gene called AIP. The AIP gene is thought to help stop cells from growing out of control.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor starts with a physical exam and asks about the child's symptoms. Lab tests check hormone levels. These include insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), cortisol, prolactin, a hormone that stimulates breast milk production, and thyroid hormone. A growth hormone (GH) suppression test may also be done.
Imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan of the head, look for a pituitary tumor.
Treatment
Surgery to remove the tumor can cure many cases. When surgery cannot fully remove the tumor, medicines can be used. These medicines block or lower GH release, or stop GH from reaching the body's tissues. Medicines used include somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists, and pegvisomant.
Radiation treatment is sometimes used after surgery to shrink the tumor.
Many people need more than one treatment. Some need more than one surgery. Pituitary gigantism is a challenging condition to control.
Surgery and radiation may lower levels of other pituitary hormones. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands do not make enough of their hormones. It can also lead to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if your child has signs of excessive growth. Adults who keep growing in the hands, feet, or face should also be checked, since this may be acromegaly.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body, such as a sudden severe headache, or sudden weakness or a change in vision. Also call 911 for a change in mental state, such as confusion or difficulty waking up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do an evaluation, watch growth over time, and coordinate care with an endocrinologist and other specialists. They do not perform pituitary surgery or other specialist procedures.
Common questions
Is gigantism life threatening?
It can lead to serious problems over time. Long-term effects on bones, joints, and the heart are common. Early treatment can reverse many of the changes caused by GH excess.
Can gigantism be prevented?
No. Gigantism cannot be prevented. Early treatment may prevent the disease from getting worse and help avoid complications.
What is the difference between gigantism and acromegaly?
The main difference is timing. Gigantism happens during childhood, while the bones are still growing. Acromegaly happens when too much GH is made after normal bone growth has stopped, at the end of puberty.
Is gigantism inherited?
Yes, in some cases. Some cases are linked to inherited conditions, such as FIPA, Carney complex, McCune-Albright syndrome, and MEN1.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Gigantism
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Familial isolated pituitary adenoma
- PubMed Central - Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Pituitary Gigantism: An International Collaborative Study in 208 Patients
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
