PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

General Information

DEFINITION--A tumor of the core (medulla) of the adrenal glands. The tumor is usually benign and does not spread to other organs.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Adrenal medulla.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults of both sexes between ages 30 and 50.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Rapid heartbeat following exercise, emotional upset or exposure to cold.
• Tremors and nervousness.
• Feelings of impending doom.
• Feelings of hunger.
• Episodes of flushing.
• Sweating; paleness.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Very high blood-pressure spikes, accompanied by headaches.
• Unexplained weight loss. Episodes of at least some of these symptoms may occur several times a day or only occasionally (up to 2 months apart).

CAUSES--The hormones adrenalin and noradrenalin, produced by the core of each adrenal gland, work with the central nervous system to control heart rate, blood pressure and other vital body functions. When a tumor (the pheochromocytoma) exists--even though it is benign--excess hormones are produced. The excess hormones cause symptoms. Cause of the tumor is unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Pregnancy.
• Family history of pheochromocytoma.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of urine and blood to measure catecholamine levels. Catecholamines are breakdown products of hormone production.
• MRI and nuclear imaging techniques (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove the tumor. The tumor is usually removed through an abdominal incision after several days of study and pretreatment with medications that block release of hormones during surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Stroke caused by very high blood pressure during an episode.
• Kidney, brain, heart damage and death caused by unrecognized and untreated pheochromocytoma.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with surgery.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----For a description of abdominal surgery and postoperative care, see Laparotomy in Surgery section.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers before surgery to suppress the effect of hormones.
• Drugs to treat high blood pressure.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions after recovery from surgery.

DIET--Prior to surgery, a high salt diet may be recommended to increase blood volume.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of pheochromocytoma.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.