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Pituitary secretion of excessive amounts of GH can occur at any age. When pituitary tumors producing this excess growth hormone occur in children and adolescents (before closure of growing ends of bones) this condition is referred to as Gigantism. The signs and symptoms differ from Acromegaly mainly in the aspect of linear growth, where these children and adolescents achieve above normal heights. They do not suffer from the broadening of their bones when compared to patients with Acromegaly in whom closure of the growing ends of bones is complete and bony growth can only result in an increase in width and distortion of bones. They also suffer from delayed puberty. It is important to note that there are several other medical conditions causing 'Gigantism'
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