Pheochromocytoma
is a rare tumor of the medulla composed of chromaffin cells and is a pharmacologically volatile, potentially lethal catecholamine-containing tumor of chromaffin . It is part of the (PGL). These can be sympathetic, where they release catecholamines into the bloodstream which cause the most common symptoms, including , , sweating, and headaches. Some PGLs may secrete little to no catecholamines, or only secrete paroxysmally (episodically), and other than , PGLs can still become clinically relevant through other secretions or mass effect. PGLs of the head and neck are typically parasympathetic and their sympathetic counterparts are predominantly located in the and , particularly concentrated at the organ of Zuckerkandl at the bifurcation of the .
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·, , anxiety, sweating, headache, pallor
Causes — why it happens
- ·80%
How it's found
- ·Elevated free metanephrines, plasma catecholamines, catecholamines, MRI, PET Scan
Treatment
- ·, , , medication
Complications
- · crisis