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Pheochromocytoma
Alternate Names : Chromaffin Tumors
DefinitionPheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes excess release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pheochromocytoma may occur as a single tumor or as multiple growths. It usually develops in the medulla (center or core) of one or both adrenal glands. Sometimes this kind of tumor occurs outside the adrenal gland, usually somewhere else in the abdomen. Less than 10% of pheochromocytomas are malignant (cancerous), with the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
The tumors may occur at any age, but they are most common in young-adult to mid-adult life. A common clinical feature is a paroxysm (an attack of symptoms listed below) that may be frequent but sporadic (occurring at unpredictable intervals). The paroxysms may increase in frequency, duration and severity as the tumor grows.
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• Definition
• Pheochromocytoma Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Pheochromocytoma Symptoms & Signs
• Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis & Tests
• Pheochromocytoma Treatment
• Pheochromocytoma Prognosis
• Pheochromocytoma Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Hypertension
• Tumor
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal CT Scan
• Abdominal MRI
• Adrenal Biopsy
• Blood Pressure
• Catecholamines - Blood
• Catecholamines - Urine
• Glucose Test
• MIBG (Iodine-131-Meta-Iodobenzylguanidine) Scintiscan
• Pulse
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Adrenal Glands
• Appetite - Increased
• Chemotherapy
• Chest Pain
• Fever
• Hand Tremor
• Headache
• Heartbeat Sensations
• High Blood Pressure
• Pulse - Bounding
• Radiation Therapy
• Sleeping Difficulty
• Sweating - Excessive
• Vital Signs
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 8/29/2002
Reviewed By : Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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