Information From Your Health Care Provider

PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

Basic information

description

Pheochromocytoma is a rare type of tumor of the adrenal glands. There are two adrenal glands, each located above a kidney. They produce hormones for important body functions. The tumor usually affects one adrenal gland. In some cases, it may develop outside the glands. This type of tumor is most often benign (90%), but can be cancerous. It affects adults of both sexes, usually ages 30 to 50.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Episodes of at least some of these symptoms may occur several times a day or may occur less often (up to 2 months apart). Symptoms increase as tumor grows.
High blood pressure episodes.
Severe headaches; abdominal or chest pain.
Rapid heartbeat following exercise, emotional upset, or exposure to cold.
Tremors and nervousness.
Feelings of doom.
Feelings of hunger.
Episodes of flushing.
Sweating, paleness.
Weakness and fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss.
Nausea and vomiting.

causes

Hormones produced by adrenal glands work with the central nervous system to control heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital body functions. When a tumor (the pheochromocytoma) exists, even though it is benign, excess hormones are produced. The excess hormones cause symptoms. Cause of the tumor is unknown.

risk increases with

Unknown for most cases.
Certain inherited disorders (e.g., multiple endocrine neoplasia [MEN] syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau disease, and neurofibromatosis type 1.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.
Persons with inherited disorders that put them at increased risk may be advised to have screening tests.

expected outcomes

The outlook is generally good for those with benign tumors removed by surgery. For those tumors that are cancerous, the outlook is more guarded.

possible complications

Hypertensive crisis (severe blood pressure increase).
Tumor may recur.
Stroke, caused by very high blood pressure.
High blood pressure may continue after surgery. It can be treated with drugs.
Kidney, brain, heart damage, and death caused by unrecognized and untreated pheochromocytoma.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam. Medical tests may include studies of urine and blood to measure hormone production, x-ray, CT, MRI, and other tests. These help to diagnose the tumor, determine if it is benign or cancerous, and determine any spread of the cancer.
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. It may include surgery, drug therapy, chemotherapy (anticancer drugs), and radiation.
Surgery is usually done to remove the tumor.

medications

Drugs are sometimes prescribed before surgery to suppress the effect of hormones.
Drugs to treat high blood pressure may be needed.
Anticancer drugs may be prescribed.

activity

No limits after recovery from surgery.

diet

Prior to surgery, a high-salt diet may be recommended to increase blood volume.

notify our office if

You or a family member has pheochromocytoma symptoms.
Symptoms recur after treatment.