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Chapter 6 Pheochromocytoma & Paraganglioma |
Pheochromocytoma (fee‐oh‐kro‐mo‐sie‐toh‐ma) and paraganglioma (pa‐ra‐gang‐glee‐oh‐ma) are very rare tumours that start in the central part of the adrenal glands or in specialized nerve cells called the paraganglia. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. Paraganglia are found throughout the body. In some cases these tumours are part of the MEN‐II hereditary syndrome.
The hormones made by these tumours are called catecholamines. They include epinephrine (epp‐uh‐nef‐rin) and norepinephrine. These hormones help with the ʺfight or flightʺ reaction to stress or threats.
Kidneys and Adrenal Glands
What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma?
Very high blood pressure is a symptom that occurs in 90% of people with this cancer. It may be constant or it may come and go. In some people, the blood pressure drops to very low levels when they stand up.
Exercise, emotional upset, drinking alcohol, urination, or a physical exam in the area of the tumour may cause these symptoms to happen.
Medicines for high blood pressure and anxiety may be prescribed. You may also be referred to an endocrine specialist.
Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Symptom Chart
Why are 24‐hour urine samples collected?
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| << Chapter 5 Pancreatic Endocrine Tumours |
Chapter 7 >> Treating Neuroendocirine Tumours |