Common Causes And Risk Factors Of Acromegaly

History Of Pituitary Tumors

An individual who has a personal or familial history of pituitary tumors is at a greater risk of developing acromegaly than those who do not. The development of a tumor in the pituitary gland is influenced by a blend of epigenetic, environmental, tumor microenvironment, and genetic factors. An individual who has a familial genetic disease characterized by the development of endocrine tumors would be a good example of someone at a higher risk of developing acromegaly. Genetic mutations that occur on the AIP, MEN1, MEN4, CDKN1B, PRKAR1A, SDHx, GPR101, and GNAS genes are associated with an increased risk of developing acromegaly. A personal history of pituitary tumors or other endocrine tumors indicates a genetic mutation that lowers the effectiveness of tumor suppressor genes. These mutations can occur spontaneously without any inheritance, or they can be passed down from an individual's parents. A personal history of other forms of pituitary adenomas can cause an individual to be at higher risk of developing acromegaly. Studies have shown preexisting prolactinomas have a positive correlation with the development of growth hormone-producing adenomas.