Between a CT Scan and Gigantism

Have you ever walked down the street and seen a person who is significantly taller than yourself? You probably have at least once, and even more than that if you are shorter than the average person. The average height of an American is 5'6" for females, and 5'9" for males. However, just because a person is 6'5" does not mean that they are actually a giant.

Those who suffer from the rare condition known as gigantism require a number of different medical treatments, of which a CT scan is just one part. And now, gigantism isn't something that most basketball players suffer from, either. They are naturally talk because of genetics.

Gigantism occurs in a person when a tumor attaches itself to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is an exceedingly important gland in the human body. It controls puberty, hormones, and overall growth patterns. A person with gigantism has a tumor that stimulates the growth hormone, so unless the tumor is removed, the person will keep getting bigger and bigger. This is where a CT scan comes in.

A CT scan is of immense importance because it will not only determine how large the tumor itself is, it will also determine the position. Take, for example, the case of basketball player Sun Ming Ming. He had gigantism, and a scan of his head revealed that the tumor was pressing on his Carotid artery. As a result, only part of the tumor could be removed, with the other part needing to be treated with medication.

What exactly does a CT scan involve? Well, it is an intense form of x-ray technology that is most commonly used on the cranium and spinal areas to determine tumors, or even the extent of damage done by an injury. It is far more detailed than the average x-ray, because it can not only see bone, but it can also see tissue.

In order to properly prepare for this kind of scan, the average person simply has to lie down on a long table, which is then slid back into the machine itself. However, a person with gigantism faces an additional issue, because the machines often cannot actually fit the person comfortably.

Thus, it is not uncommon for the nurse to try and make things easier to the person by elevating the legs with a bunch of pillows. Indeed, the plight of those who are suffering from gigantism is a serious one, especially if their tumor is not taken care of in time. Too many people have died far too young from the effects of gigantism.

Then, there is the obvious issue of being able to maneuver their way around in everyday life. Perhaps the most interesting thing about those who are suffering from gigantism is their positive attitude. Take, for example, a woman named Sandy. She was, for many years, considered the world's tallest woman. Until her death, she made many people smile. It really teaches people who aren't suffering from such a malady an important lesson.

More information on CT scan and a Walnut Creek body scan doctor in California is just a click away.

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