Pheochromocytoma: The Basics
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Pheochromocytoma is a tumor in the adrenal gland. Pheochromocytoma is a type of cancer that targets chromaffin cells which make hormones called catecholamines. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and often pheochromocytoma impacts one of the glands. Tumors that are found just outside the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas.
Risks
The only known risk of pheochromocytoma is genetic. Here is a list of genetic syndromes linked to pheochromocytoma:
- Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome (vHL).
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2A and 2B (MEN2A and 2B).
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
- Succinate dehydrogenase syndromes.
Talk to your provider about genetic testing and counseling if you think you should be tested for these syndromes.
Signs of Pheochromocytoma
The signs of pheochromocytoma are from the extra hormones (catecholamines) being made. These are:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) is most common.
- Headaches.
- Increased sweating.
- Heart palpitations.
If you are having any of these side effects, you should talk to your provider.
Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma
If your healthcare providers think you may have pheochromocytoma, they will order tests. The tests ordered are based on the signs you are having. Here are some of the tests:
Staging
Staging helps guide treatment. The stage is based on:
- The location of the tumor.
- If the cancer has spread to nearby tissues and/or lymph nodes.
- Whether it has spread (metastasized) to distant body parts.
The stages range from stage I (smallest, most confined tumors) to stage IV (metastasized to other parts of the body).
Treatment
Pheochromocytoma can be treated in these ways if it is causing symptoms:
- Surgery: the goal is to remove the whole tumor.
- Radiation Therapy: uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.
- MIBG and PRRT treatments are types of radiation therapy that may be used.
- Targeted Therapy: works to slow cancer growth. Sunitinib is a targeted therapy that treats pheochromocytoma.
- Chemotherapy: This can be used before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery is done if the whole tumor is not removed.
This article is a basic guide to pheochromocytoma. You can learn more about pheochromocytoma staging and treatment by using the link below: