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Phaeochromocytoma
Medical Questions » Phaeochromocytoma
| Name: Phaeochromocytoma |
| Also known as: |
| A rare black-celled tumor in the adrenal glands (which sit on top of each kidney) which releases a substance into the blood stream that causes very high blood pressure (hypertension). |
Causes of Phaeochromocytoma
Sometimes an hereditary tendency, but most arise for no apparent reason. |
Symptoms of Phaeochromocytoma
Extremely high blood pressure, severe headaches, palpitations of the heart, abnormal sweating, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, blurred vision, and brain damage that may result in loss of speech, blindness or unconsciousness. Other symptoms may include increased appetite, nervousness and irritability, shortness of breath, weight loss, light-headedness and chest pain (angina). |
Tests for Phaeochromocytoma
Diagnosis confirmed by special blood tests that measure excessive levels of catecholamines (the chemical released by the tumor). A CT scan or a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) is performed to locate the tumor. |
Treatment for Phaeochromocytoma
Controlling the high blood pressure with medication, and then surgically removing the tumor. Long-term management with medication, but without surgery, is not practical.
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Complications of Phaeochromocytoma of its treatment
Some patients have multiple tumors in other parts of the body. Unexplained sudden deaths may be due to a heart attack caused by an undiagnosed tumor. Some forms are associated with cancer, but a phaeochromocytoma is not a cancer itself. |
Likely Outcome of Phaeochromocytoma
Depends on damage caused by the hypertension before diagnosis, and how many tumors are present. If tumor is removed early, a complete recovery is expected. Without treatment, the disease is invariably fatal, and even in the best medical centers, a small percentage of patients will die from complications of the disease or the surgery. |
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