A non-metastasizing neoplasm arising from the adrenal gland
Symptoms of Phaeochromocytoma
The following features are indicative of Phaeochromocytoma:
headaches
heart palpitations
sweating
high blood pressure
abdominal or chest pain
irritability
nervousness
pallor
weight loss
nausea and vomiting
shortness of breath
seizures
problems sleeping
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Common Causes of Phaeochromocytoma
The following are the most common causes of Phaeochromocytoma:
excessive release of adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones
paragangliomas
Risk Factors for Phaeochromocytoma
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Phaeochromocytoma:
multiple endocrine neoplasia, type II (MEN II)
Von Hippel-Lindau disease
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)
hereditary paraganglioma syndrome
Prevention of Phaeochromocytoma
No, it is not possible to prevent Phaeochromocytoma.
exact cause is not known
Occurrence of Phaeochromocytoma
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Phaeochromocytoma cases seen each year worldwide:
Very rare between 1K - 10K cases
Common Age Group
Phaeochromocytoma most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 10-20 years
Common Gender
Phaeochromocytoma can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Phaeochromocytoma
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Phaeochromocytoma:
24-hour urine test: To measure the levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline or byproducts
Blood test: To measure the levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline or byproducts
M-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging: To detect tiny amounts of an injected radioactive compound taken up by certain tumors
Positron emission tomography (PET): To detect radioactive compounds taken up by a tumor
Doctor for Diagnosis of Phaeochromocytoma
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Phaeochromocytoma:
Oncologist
Complications of Phaeochromocytoma if untreated
Yes, Phaeochromocytoma causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Phaeochromocytoma is left untreated:
heart disease
stroke
kidney failure
acute respiratory distress
damage to the nerves of the eye
Procedures for Treatment of Phaeochromocytoma
The following procedures are used to treat Phaeochromocytoma:
Surgery: The entire adrenal gland with a pheochromocytoma is removed
Radionuclide treatment: To deliver radiation therapy to a specific site and kill cancerous cells
Chemotherapy: To kill fast-growing cancer cells
Self-care for Phaeochromocytoma
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Phaeochromocytoma:
Avoid radiation exposure: Avoid exposure to high levels of radiation
Quit smoking
Avoid chemical exposure: Avoid exposure to certain chemotherapy drugs and certain chemicals including benzene
Patient Support for Treatment of Phaeochromocytoma
The following actions may help Phaeochromocytoma patients:
Education: By knowing about the disease and researching information in local library and on the internet
Explore programs for children with cancer: By participating in cancer related health care programs in your area
Time for Treatment of Phaeochromocytoma
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Phaeochromocytoma to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced