Definition

A pheochromocytoma is a tumor that grows on the adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of the kidneys and make hormones. A pheochromocytomas are made up of special adrenal gland cells. The cells send out hormones that effect heart rate and blood pressure. The cells may send out too much of the hormones causing periods of:

• Very high blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• Severe headaches

Most of these tumors are not cancer.

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Causes    TOP

Most pheochromocytoma have no known cause. Some may have a change in their genes that can cause this type of tumor.

Risk Factors    TOP

The risk of pheochromocytoma may be higher in those with:

• A family history of pheochromocytoma
• Tumors in other glands of the body
• Hormonal disorders

Genetic diseases that have an increased risk of pheochromocytoma include:

• Von Hippel-Lindau disease
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2
• Neurofibromatosis type 1
• Paraganglioma syndromes

Symptoms    TOP

Pheochromocytoma will not cause symptoms in many people. Those that have symptoms may have:

• High blood pressure, which can be constant or sporadic
• Severe headaches
• Excessive sweating
• Warmth, flushing
• Fast heart rate and pounding heart beat
• Sensation of a panic attack
• Blurred vision
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
• Chest pain
• Involuntary trembling
• Pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Insomnia
• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the legs and feet
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle weakness
• Anxiety
• Unable to cope with high temperature

Diagnosis    TOP

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Urine and blood will be done to look for metanephrines. It is left after the breakdown of adrenal hormones. A clonidine suppression test may be done if first tests are not clear.

Images may be taken to look for the tumor. It may be done with:

• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• MRI scan
• MIBG scintiscan, or adrenal medullary imaging
• PET scan

Treatment    TOP

Removing the tumor will stop the symptoms. It may be removed with a surgery called laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The adrenal glands may need to be removed.

Medicine will help to balance blood pressure before surgery.

Chemotherapy or radiation may be needed if the tumor is cancer.

Prevention    TOP

There are no steps to prevent pheochromocytoma.