Humans have two adrenal glands located above the kidneys. They make substances called hormones that regulate blood pressure, fluid metabolism, and other body functions. A pheochromocytoma is an uncommon tumor of the adrenal gland. Rarely, this type of tumor develops outside the adrenal glands.
Pheochromocytomas secrete a hormone called epinephrine or related compounds. These substances can cause high blood pressure, heart palpitations, headaches, and sweating. Pheochromocytomas account for a very small number of hypertension cases.
The cause is unknown. Most tumors aren’t related to family history, but about 10% are part of familial or hereditary endocrine tumor disorders.
Common symptoms are headaches that come and go, anxiety, palpitations (abnormal, rapid heartbeats), sweating, high blood pressure, and heat intolerance.
Your health care provider may suspect a pheochromocytoma because of your medical history and physical examination. Urine and blood tests will be done to measure hormone levels. One urine test, a 24-hour urine collection, measures substances called catecholamines. You shouldn’t drink alcohol or caffeine or take amphetamines, benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, or lithium when doing the test. These substances may lead to false high levels.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT, and other scans may be done to look for the tumor. Pheochromocytomas located outside the adrenals may need whole-body imaging with special nuclear medicine tests to be found.
More than 90% of pheochromocytomas are in the adrenal glands and can be cured with surgery. Medicines to control blood pressure should be given before surgery.
Temporary low and high blood pressure readings can occur while the tumor is being removed.
Pheochromocytomas that are malignant and have spread cannot be cured with surgery. A combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments is used to help control the disease.
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Copyright © 2016 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.
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