What is the first-line treatment for Acromegaly?

The first-line treatment for acromegaly is surgery, specifically transsphenoidal adenomectomy, which involves the removal of the pituitary tumor that is responsible for excessive growth hormone production. This approach is preferred because it can provide a definitive cure in many cases, especially when the tumor is accessible and has not invaded surrounding structures.

Surgery helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with acromegaly, such as the enlargement of facial features, hands, and feet, as it directly targets the source of the hormone excess. Additionally, successful tumor removal can lead to an immediate decrease in growth hormone levels and improvement in related health issues, such as cardiovascular complications and diabetes that can arise from prolonged hormone excess.

In cases where surgery is not possible or if there is residual disease post-surgery, medication therapy can be considered as a secondary option to manage hormone levels. Radiation therapy is usually reserved for cases where surgery and medication are insufficient. Observation is not a proactive treatment and is typically not appropriate as the first course of action in a condition like acromegaly that can have significant long-term effects if left untreated.