# Importance of the early diagnosis of acromegaly. Evolution of mandibular growth and dental occlusion in a case with a late diagnosis

## TL;DR

This paper highlights how late diagnosis of acromegaly can lead to significant facial and dental changes, emphasizing the role of dentists in early detection.

## Contribution

The study emphasizes the importance of dentists, especially orthodontists, in early diagnosis of acromegaly through recognizing facial and dental changes.

## Key findings

- A 20-year case study shows progressive mandibular growth and malocclusion in acromegaly.
- Dentists may be key to early diagnosis due to visible oral and facial changes.
- Late diagnosis is common despite early oral/maxillofacial symptoms.

## Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of oral and maxillofacial manifestations in the early stages of acromegaly, dentists do not represent an important percentage of the healthcare professionals that diagnose the disease.

The present study describes the buccodental and facial changes occurring over a period of 20 years in a patient with a late diagnosis of acromegaly.

The facial disfiguration and buccodental problems, particularly mandibular enlargement and malocclusion, may be the key elements leading to the diagnosis.

It is essential to enhance awareness of the disease among dentists, and particularly among orthodontists, as they are ideally positioned to recognize and diagnose acromegaly in its early stages.