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Gigantism


Gigantism is a rare condition that causes abnormal growth in children. This occurs as a result of an excess of somatotropin, a growth hormone which is produced by the pituitary gland. 

The commonest cause of gigantism is a pituitary gland tumour. The growth of the tumour makes the pituitary gland produce an excess of hormones. 


Children with gigantism are much larger than their peers. However, they may also have flat noses and large heads. The symptoms of gigantism also depends on the size of the tumour, with a larger tumour resulting in the symptoms being more prominent. 


Oftentimes, the tumour will have to be removed through surgery. Despite the removal of the tumour, the child may still be much larger than his peers if the tumour is not removed early.


Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/gigantism

https://www.yourhormones.info/endocrine-conditions/gigantism/

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