Pheochromocytoma Learning Center

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Welcome

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes excess release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure.

Basic Info

Symptoms
Severe headache; Palpitations; Rapid heart rate; Sweating; Flushing; Chest pain; Abdominal pain; Nervousness; Irritabil...
Causes
Pheochromocytoma may occur as a single tumor or as multiple growths. It usually develops in the medulla (center or core...
Tests
Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) reveal high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and f...
Treatments
The definitive treatment is removal of the tumor by surgery. Stabilization of the person's vital signs with medication ...
Drugs
  • metyrosine
  • phenoxybenzamine
  • propranolol
Risk Factors
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2b
Complications
High blood pressure may not be cured in 25% of patients after surgery, yet control is usually achieved in these people ...
Prevention
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of special cells (called chromaffin cells), most often found in the middle of the adrenal g...
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of pheochromocytoma or if you have had a pheochromocytoma in the pa...

Basic Info

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