A hormonal disorder in which the pituitary gland located in the brain overproduces growth hormone (GH). In 90% of cases, this is caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland called an adenoma.   People with this disorder have enlarged skeletal extremities.  Their hands and feet are large, and facial features are exaggerated as the jaw lengthens and the nose and brow ridge grow thicker.  The skin thickens, and most internal organs enlarge.  The onset is gradual, leading to possible long term complications.  Overgrowth of bone and cartilage often leads to arthritis.  When tissue thickens, it may trap nerves, causing pain similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.  Other symptoms include thick, coarse, oily skin, skin tags, enlarged lips, nose, and tongue, deepening of the voice due to enlarged sinuses and vocal chords, snoring due to airway obstruction, excessive sweating and skin odor, fatigue and weakness, headaches, impaired vision, diabetes, hypertension, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and colon polyps that may become cancerous.  Treatment is by drugs, surgery, x-ray radiation, or cryosurgery of the pituitary tumor.