What is Pheochromocytoma
A pheochromocytoma (also phaeochromocytoma, English spelling) is a tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands originating in the chromaffin cells, which secretes excessive amounts ...
Join Now
A pheochromocytoma (also phaeochromocytoma, English spelling) is a tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands originating in the chromaffin cells, which secretes excessive amounts ...

| Topics | Replies | Last Post | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
4 |
By DeborahJP
09/30/09 |
|
|
|
4 |
By Roxngarrett
09/22/09 |
|
|
|
0 |
By Seannama
08/06/09 |
|
|
|
1 |
By scrappycat
05/25/09 |
|
|
|
1 |
By noseycow
10/26/08 |
|
|
|
0 |
By noseycow
10/15/08 |
|
|
|
0 |
By SonicSue
02/09/08 |
|
I ended up going to the ER, started palpitations a...
murielgomez Oct 24, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009 |
JoforMrk Sep 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
JoforMrk Sep 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I love the internet, it is a life line when I'...
noseycow Oct 16, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008 |
Wow a whole year since I wrote last. Sorry a...
ChanP Jan 24, 2008
Journal Entry for January 24, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Trying to stay encouraged...cant sleep very well a...
Valmomy Nov 15, 2007
Journal Entry for November 15, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
This is my very first journal entry...I want to st...
Valmomy Nov 01, 2007
Journal Entry for November 1, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Here's a twist. Went to work today. Got reemed...
newbrguy Sep 04, 2007
Journal Entry for September 4, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Hoiday today. Supposed to go back to work tomorrow...
newbrguy Sep 03, 2007
Journal Entry for September 3, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Man what a weird week. I'm on vacation and I f...
newbrguy Sep 02, 2007
Journal Entry for September 2, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Went to the gym this morning. Had a great workout....
newbrguy Aug 31, 2007
Journal Entry for August 31, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Well, needless to say this was one of my worst day...
newbrguy Aug 28, 2007
Journal Entry for August 28, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Saturday, October 24, 2009 |



The diagnosis can be established by measuring catecholamines and metanephrines in plasma or urine. Care should be taken to rule out other causes of adrenergic excess like hypoglycemia, stress, exercise, and drugs affecting the catecholamines like methyldopa, dopamine agonists, or ganglion blocking antihypertensives. Various foodstuffs (e.g. vanilla ice cream) can also affect the levels of urinary metanephrine and VMA (vanillyl mandelic acid). Imaging by computed tomography or a T2 weighted MRI of the head, neck, and chest, and abdomen can help localize the tumor. One diagnostic test used in the past for a pheochromocytoma is to administer clonidine (Catapres®), a centrally-acting alpha-2 agonist used to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine mimics catecholamines in the brain, causing it to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerves controlling the adrenal medulla. A healthy adrenal medulla will respond to clonidine by reducing catecholamine production; the lack of a response is evidence of pheochromocytoma. Another test is for the clinician to press gently on the adrenal gland. A pheochromocytoma will often release a burst of catecholamines, with the associated signs and symptoms quickly following. This method is NOT recommended
Pheochromocytomas occur most often during young-adult to mid-adult life. Less than 10% of pheochromocytomas are malignant (cancerous).
These tumors can form a pattern with other endocrine gland cancers which is labeled multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). Pheochromocytoma may occur in patients with MEN 2 and MEN 3. VHL (Von Hippel Lindau) patients may also develop these tumors.
Surgical resection of the tumor is the treatment of first choice. Given the complexity of perioperative management, and the potential for catastrophic intra and postoperative complications, such surgery should be performed only at centers experienced in the area. In addition to the surgical expertise that such centers can provide, they will also have the necessary endocrine and anesthesia resources as well.


This support group doesn't have any member created groups yet.
Be the first to create one!