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

BACKGROUND

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.

CASE REPORT: 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.

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

CONCLUSIONS

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.