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Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that usually starts in the cells of one of your adrenal glands. Although they are usually benign, pheochromocytomas often cause the adrenal gland to make too many hormones. This can lead to high blood pressure and cause symptoms such as
Sometimes pheochromocytoma is part of another condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN). People with MEN often have other cancers and other problems involving hormones.
Surgery is the most common treatment. Other options include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
National Cancer Institute
A '''pheochromocytoma''' (also '''phaeochromocytoma''', English spelling) is a tumor in the medulla of the adrenal glands (or, rarely, the ganglion of the sympathetic nervous system) which secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines, usually epinephrine and norepinephrine. The signs and symptoms of a pheochromocytoma are those of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity: elevated heart rate and blood pressure and anxiety often resembling that of a panic attack. A pheochromocytoma can be deadly because of the severe blood pressure elevation it produces. One diagnostic test for a pheochromocytoma is to administer clonidine (Catapres®), a centrally-acting alpha-2 agonist used to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine mimics catacholamines in the brain, causing it to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerves controlling the adrenal medulla. A healthy adrenal medulla will respond to clonidine by reducing catacholamine production; the lack of a response is evidence of pheochromocytoma. Another test is for the clinician to press gently on the adrenal gland. A pheochromocytoma will often release a burst of catacholamines, with the associated signs and symptoms quickly following. Pheochromocytomae occur most often during young-adult to mid-adult life. Less than 10% of pheochromocytomas are malignant (cancerous). These tumors can form a pattern with other endocrine gland cancers which is labelled multiple endocrine neoplasia. Pheochromocytoma is listed within the groups MEN 2a and MEN 2b . [ Read More ]
Pheochromocytoma Group Support Site - Contains an index of links and member sites.
Pheochromocytoma Info - Personal page maintained by a woman with this disorder. Contains a list of experts, testing, treating, and support groups.
Pheochromocytoma Website - One man's personal experience with experimental I-131 MIBG treatment for metastatic pheo.
Pheochromocytoma Support Board - Features an online help group that is maintained by people diagnosed with pheo.
Pheochromocytoma - Provides illustrations, symptoms, treatment, prognosis, and complications. From MedlinePlus.
Pheochromocytoma - Features an introduction, clinical findings, differentials, workup, treatment, and medication. From eMedicine.
Pheochromocytoma: A tumor of the central adrenal - Explains symptoms, diagnosis, tests, and surgical treatment for this condition. By EndocrineWeb.
New Technique: Laparoscopic Surgery for Pheochromocytoma - Discussion of different surgical methods for removing this tumor.
Family Practice Notebook: Pheochromocytoma - Comprehensive database of pheochromocytoma. Aimed at primary care providers.
Pheochromocytoma: Special Considerations in Children - Describes the epidemiologic differences between its behavior in the pediatric and adult populations. Aimed at physicians. From Urologic Clinics of North America.