1. Defination: pheochromocytomas are tumors of the adrenal gland which produce excess adrensline. They arise from adrenal mendulla
2. Function of adrenal mendulla:
- normal production of adrenaline
- help maintain blood pressure
- help cope with stressful situations
3. Symptoms:
• Headaches (severe)
• Excess sweating (generalized)
• Racing heart (tachycardia and palpitations)
• Anxiety / nervousness (feelings of impending death)
• Nervous shaking (tremors)
• Pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Nausea (with or without nausea)
• Weight loss
• Heat intolerance
Diagnosing Pheochromocytomas
- 24 hour urinary catacholamines and metanephrines
- Serum catacholamines
- X-Ray Tests for Pheochromocytomas : There are 4 primary x-ray tests to examine the adrenal glands
* Ultrasound:
* CT Scan
* MRI Scan.
* MIBG Scan
Surgical Treatment of Pheochromocytomas
All pheochromocytomas should be removed surgically.
Indicating:
- Turs less than 10 cm in diameter
- Tumors which secrete hormone
- Tumors which do not secrete hormone...if they are greater than 4 cm
- Tumors which have NO characteristics of malignancy