Pronounced: Fee-o-crome-o-sigh-toh-ma
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor. It is made up of special adrenal gland cells. These cells secrete hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones help to regulate the heart rate and blood pressure. The cells may secrete excessive amounts of the hormones. This results in periods of:
Most of these tumors are benign (noncancerous). About 10% are malignant (cancerous). Most of the tumors grow on the adrenal glands. The glands are on top of the kidneys. About 10%-20% the tumors occur elsewhere in the body.
Factors associated with pheochromocytoma include:
Up to 50% of patients have no symptoms. This tumor is found during the investigation of some other unrelated illness.
Symptoms may occur many times during the day. They can also occur as infrequently as once every few months. Symptoms may be brought on by pressure on the tumor (during a massage), medications (such as certain anesthetics and beta-blockers), or intense emotion. Symptoms can include:
Your doctor will take a medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma may include the following tests:
If the tumor is benign, it is removed. This procedure use small incisions and special instruments.
Sometimes, the adrenal glands are removed as a part of this process.
Prior to surgery, the high blood pressure will need to be brought under control, using:
This may be used if the tumor is cancerous and has spread outside of the adrenal glands. It involves the use of:
Radiation may also be used. It is used to destroy blood vessels that may be feeding the tumor. This process is called ablation.
RESOURCES:
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/cancer/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC HealthGuide
http://www.bchealthguide.org/
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
References:
Beers MH et al. The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition . 2nd ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2003.
Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment . 8th ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2006.
Goldman L. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 22nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2004.
Lenders JW, Eisenhofer G, Mannelli M, et al. Phaeochromocytoma. Lancet . 2005 Aug 20-26;366(9486):665-75.
Mittendorf EA, Evans DB, Lee JE, et al. Pheochromocytoma: advances in genetics, diagnosis, localization and treatment. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am . 2007;21:509-25.
National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ . Accessed March 26, 2003.
Widimsky J Jr. Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromacytoma. Kidney Blood Res . 2006;29:321-6
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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