What condition results from excessive growth hormone secretion, typically due to an adenoma?

Excessive growth hormone secretion primarily leads to acromegaly, a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of bones and tissues. This condition usually arises from a growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, which is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland.

In adults, the overproduction of growth hormone primarily affects the bones and soft tissues, causing distinct physical changes such as enlarged extremities (hands and feet), facial alterations (such as a prominent jaw and enlarged nose), and changes in skin texture. The pathology of acromegaly is significant because it can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and increased risk of certain cancers due to prolonged exposure to elevated growth hormone levels.

Understanding the development of acromegaly highlights the role that the pituitary gland and growth hormone play in growth and metabolism; therefore, recognizing the association of adenomas with this condition is crucial in clinical practice. In contrast, the other conditions listed do not relate to growth hormone overproduction and involve different pathological mechanisms entirely.