Phaeochromocytoma

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands (originating in the chromaffin cells), or extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue that failed to involute after birth, that secretes high amounts of catecholamines, usually norepinephrine, plus epinephrine to a lesser extent. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas (often described as extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas) are closely related, though less common, tumors that originate in the ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system and are named based upon the primary anatomical site of origin.

Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

The signs and symptoms of a pheochromocytoma are variable and are due to the effects of the excessive production of catecholamines, usually norepinephrine and epinephrine. The most common symptoms are palpitations, sweating, headache, and hypertension. Other symptoms can include anxiety, nausea, tremors, and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is made through biochemical testing, and once the diagnosis is suspected, imaging studies are performed to locate the tumor. The most commonly used tests are plasma free metanephrines and urinary fractionated metanephrines.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of choice for pheochromocytoma is surgical removal of the tumor. Prior to surgery, patients are typically treated with alpha-adrenergic blocking agents to prevent a hypertensive crisis during the operation.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for benign pheochromocytomas that have been completely removed is excellent, with patients often going on to live normal lives. Malignant pheochromocytomas have a less favorable prognosis.

See also[edit | edit source]

Phaeochromocytoma Resources
PubMed
Wikipedia
Medicine-stub.png
This article is a stub related to medicine. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD