Acromegaly and cancer

Acromegaly is a chronic disease characterized by sustained elevation of circulating growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). It is clearly associated with increased morbidity and overall mortality, primarily due to cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory diseases. Although the influence of acromegaly on carcinogenesis remains controversial, numerous studies have confirmed that acromegalic patients are at an increased risk of developing different types of neoplasms. Endangered patients are especially those who have been untreated for a long period and show increased serum concentrations of GH and IGF-I. Prevention and early detection of potential neoplasms remain a crucial part of treatment. This review will focus on the occurrence and mortality of benign and malignant tumors in acromegalic patients.