Anyone have information about adrenal tumor (pheochromcytoma)?

Question

Has anyone had any personal experience with this, as patient or doctor?

Thanks to all so far; I've looked at all the websites out there!

A 24 hour urine for catecholamines and metanephrines was normal, but I was asymptomatic at the time I did the test. I don't think they're planning on doing any more tests, but I've heard that sometimes more testing is necessary. I have all the classic symptoms, but I know it is possible that they might be due to a different cause all the same.

Answer 1

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor in the matrix (cytoma) of the adrenal gland (s). These glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones which are absolutely necessary for the survival and normal functioning of the body, producing the fright and flight hormone – adrenaline and nor-adrenaline.

If one remembers that excess of fright and flight hormone is being produced, which is released into the body circulation intermittently, rather than continuously, the manifestations would be easy to understand. For example if you meet a Lion while walking alone in a jungle, your body reacts by releasing adrenaline and nor-adrenaline, which are the fright and flight hormones. Your body gets ready for a flight (away from the Lion) and in that, the heart starts pumping more blood and that too at a faster rate, muscle circulation increases, pupils of the eyes get dilated for distant vision, glucose is released for instant energy resource, and the alertness increases because of improved circulation to the brain, and the sphincters for urinary bladder and bowel tightens thereby preventing the necessity of voiding during the flight away from the enemy.

However, once an adrenal tumor arises, the levels of hormones secreted are consequently increased and grossly exaggerated, giving rise to equally exaggerated manifestations. Heart comes under severe stress, the blood pressure rises sharply to serious levels. There is dizziness, faintness, chest pain, palpitations, collapse and even death. Diagnosis is by evaluating the urinary samples for a 24 hour urine for VMA. Ultrasonography and CT scan of the abdomen may detect the tumor. The medicines for lowering and maintaining the blood pressure may be not so successful alone to deal with the hypertension associated with this condition. Definitive treatment is by total or partial removal of the tumor.

I have also managed an unusual presentation of pheochromocytoma, who was already diagnosed and treated as a case of Essential Hypertension elsewhere, but his blood pressure control was not being controlled properly as it had sudden spikes and certain normal intervals of days. This patient was an adult male and had subcutaneous nodules (hard small lumps beneath the skin) and had café-au-lait spots. This syndrome is very rare, but once diagnosed and the surgery performed for the adrenal tumor, his blood pressure was stabilized. The SC nodules and café –au-lait spots were left alone.

Answer 2

I am an MD. I have seen or diagnosed around 5-6 of these in my career. They are a rare tumor that is often looked for but seldom found. If you don't have high blood pressure then that makes it ~99.99% chance that you don't have it. I agree with most of the above answers as far as symptoms go. The best way to diagnose it is with a 24 hour urine collection. Ask your doctor about it and I am sure he/she will order the test for you.

Answer 3

It is a benign tumor on the Adrenal Medulla, the adrenal gland is on the kidneys. Increased amounts of blood flow can be caused from stress, physical activity and low blood sugar which cause increased amounts of two different hormones ( Epinephrine and Norepinephrine ) from the Adrenal Medulla.

Symptoms:
Release of large amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine and high blood pressure
Sweating
Nervousness
Tachycardia ( rapid heart beat )

I'm sure that you have been to see a doctor and there are several types of resolutions out there.
Good Luck To You !!!!

Answer 4

It is a tumor in the medulla portion of the adrenal gland.
It causes excess adrenalin to be produced because of the tumor.
This causes:
rapid heartbeat after exercise, stress or exposure to cold.
tremors or unconciousness
feelings of impending doom
hunger
flushing
weakness and fatigue
very high blood pressure
headaches
weight loss
Any three of these symptoms several times per week should be suspicious.
It can cause stroke, kidney, brain heart damage or death if not treated.
It can be cured with sugery, usually.

Answer 5

Check the net for "adrenal tumor" like MD Web and CNN health
there are someother excellent sites to help you out.

Answer 6

well! pheochromcytoma is tumor in the adrenal medulla of the adrenal gland, it causes increase in the secretion of the epinephrine and norepinephrine causing severe hypertention., don't worry it can be treated so easily just see a doctor.

Answer 7

it causes high blood pressure (beside other symptomes)& its usually benign.Check this website :
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1816.htm