Final answer:
The student's description of Gregor's physical symptoms suggests he may have acromegaly, which is caused by excessive growth hormone production and often linked to a benign pituitary tumor. A medical diagnosis would require blood tests for hormone levels and an MRI to view the pituitary gland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description of Gregor's physical characteristics and the thickening bones of his face and jaw may suggest a condition known as acromegaly. This condition is typically caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, usually from a benign tumor on the pituitary gland called a pituitary adenoma. These elevated hormone levels can result in enlarged hands and feet, facial changes, and other systemic effects. Acromegaly is more commonly diagnosed in middle age, but in some cases, symptoms can present earlier. It is a rare disorder, with an estimated 3 to 4 new cases per million people per year.
Diagnosis of acromegaly includes measuring growth hormone levels in the blood, particularly following an oral glucose tolerance test, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to visualize the pituitary gland. Treatment options vary based on the size and activity of the tumor and may include surgical removal, medication to reduce hormone production, and radiation therapy.
Given Gregor's age of 27 and the described symptoms, it is conceivable that this is the onset of acromegaly; however, a medical professional would need to conduct a thorough examination and diagnostic testing to confirm this diagnosis.