Adrenal Disorders

Pheochromocytoma

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that usually develops from one of the body's two adrenal glands, which are located above each kidney in the back of the upper abdomen. The cancer usually develops in the central part of the adrenal glands called the adrenal medulla, which is responsible for producing important hormones such epinephrine, adrenalin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Pheochromocytomas often secrete too much hormone, which can cause high blood pressure, palpitations and headaches. High blood pressure that is left untreated can cause heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. Pheochromocytoma may occur as a single tumor or as multiple growths. Those that develop outside the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas.

About 10 percent to 15 percent of pheochromocytomas are malignant, or cancerous, with the potential to spread to other parts of the body. The condition may occur at any age, but is most common in young and middle-aged adults.

Symptoms of pheochromocytoma result from excessive hormone production and include:

• Headaches that typically are severe
• Excessive sweating
• Accelerated or racing heartbeat, called tachycardia, and palpitations
• Anxiety and/or nervousness, such as feelings of impending death
• Nervous shaking or tremors
• Pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Weight loss
• Heat intolerance

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007