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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

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Phaeochromocytoma.

Related Topics

Pheochromocytoma

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