Pheochromocytoma
Description
What is pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells
are found in special cells in the body called chromaffin cells. Most
pheochromocytomas start inside the adrenal gland (the adrenal medulla) where
most chromaffin cells are located. There are two adrenal glands, one above
each kidney in the back of the upper abdomen. Cells in the adrenal glands make
important hormones that help the body work properly. Usually pheochromocytoma
affects only one adrenal gland. Pheochromocytoma may also start in other parts
of the body, such as the area around the heart or bladder.
Most tumors that start in the chromaffin cells do not spread to other parts of
the body and are not cancer. These are called benign tumors. If a tumor is
found, the doctor will need to determine whether it is cancer or benign.
Pheochromocytomas often cause the adrenal glands to make too many hormones
called catecholamines. The extra catecholamines cause high blood pressure
(hypertension), which can cause headaches, sweating, pounding of the heart,
pain in the chest, and a feeling of anxiety. High blood pressure that goes on
for a long time without treatment can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other
major health problems.
If there are symptoms, a doctor may order blood and urine tests to see if there
are extra hormones in the body. A patient may also have a special nuclear
medicine scan. A CT scan, an x-ray that uses a computer to make a picture of
the inside of a part of the body or an MRI scan, which uses magnetic waves to
make a picture of the abdomen, may also be done.
Pheochromocytoma is sometimes part of a condition called multiple endocrine
neoplasia syndrome (MEN). People with MEN often have other cancers (such as
thyroid cancer) and other hormonal problems.
The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends on how far the cancer has spread,
and the patient’s age and general health.