What is pheochromocytoma and what are its signs and symptoms?
If you have a pheochromocytoma, the tumor releases hormones that may cause high blood pressure, headache, sweating and symptoms of a panic attack. If a pheochromocytoma isn’t treated, severe or life-threatening damage to other body systems can result.
Is a pheochromocytoma fatal?
Pheochromocytomas are rare but treacherous catecholamine-producing tumors that, if not diagnosed or appropriately treated, will almost invariably prove fatal. The tumors may display numerous clinical manifestations similar to psychological or physiological stress.
What triggers pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas may be caused by mutations of one of at least ten different genes: the RET gene, which is also associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2; the VHL gene, which is also associated with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome; the neurofibromatosis (NF1) gene, associated with neurofibromatosis …
What are 4 possible treatments for pheochromocytoma?
Medications, such as alpha blockers, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, keep smaller veins and arteries open and relaxed. This improves blood flow and decreases blood pressure. Some of these medications may also cause your heart to beat more slowly and with less force.
When should you suspect pheochromocytoma?
Frequently, the 24-hour urine collection must be performed more than once to establish diagnostic certainty. A 24-hour urine test for pheochromocytoma is considered positive if the catecholamine levels exceed two times the upper limit of normal.
Is pheochromocytoma a terminal?
Recovery from a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is not always possible. If the cancer cannot be cured or controlled, the disease may be called advanced or terminal. This diagnosis is stressful, and for many people, advanced cancer is difficult to discuss.
How serious is a tumor on the adrenal gland?
It can be always high or sometimes high. Sometimes the tumor can cause high blood pressure that can be life threatening. It is a very rare cause of high blood pressure. But it must be considered when medicine is not enough to control high blood pressure.
What can mimic a pheochromocytoma?
The diagnosis of a catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytoma is always suggested by occurrence of severe and symptomatic paroxysmal hypertension.
How long can you live with an adrenal tumor?
5-year relative survival rates for adrenal cancer
| SEER stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| Localized | 74% |
| Regional | 54% |
| Distant | 38% |
| All SEER stages combined | 50% |
Can you live without your adrenal gland?
Humans cannot live without adrenal glands, so if both adrenal glands are removed (very rarely necessary), then the patient needs to take medications and supplements to provide the necessary hormones.
What are signs of adrenal tumor?
Adrenal Gland Tumor: Symptoms and Signs
- High blood pressure.
- Low potassium level.
- Heart palpitations.
- Nervousness.
- Feelings of anxiety or panic attacks.
- Headache.
- Heavy sweating/perspiration.
- Diabetes.