Top 12 Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma!
The Main Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma that we should not ignore. Also, a Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that usually grows in the middle of the lower back on the adrenal glands . It is most common in adults aged 30 to 50, but people of all ages can have it.
Children constitute about 10% of all cases. Few Pheochromocytoma tumors spread to other organs. But they can be dangerous and must be dealt with immediately. Your adrenal glands make hormones that control your metabolism, blood pressure, and other important functions.
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A Pheochromocytoma also releases hormones and does so at much higher levels than normal. The hormones produced by these tumors cause high blood pressure, which can harm the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys.
Causes of Pheochromocytoma: A Pheochromocytoma can occur as a single tumor or as more than one growth. It usually develops in the center (medulla) of one or both adrenal glands . In rare cases, this type of tumor occurs outside the adrenal gland. When it does, it’s usually somewhere else on the abdomen.
Very few Pheochromocytomas are cancerous. Tumors can occur at any age, but are most common from adulthood to mid-adulthood. In some cases, the condition can also be seen among family members (hereditary). So, check now The Top 12 Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma:
Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma: Most people with Pheochromocytoma have attacks of a set of symptoms, which occur when the tumor releases hormones. Attacks usually last from a few minutes to hours. The main symptoms of Pheochromocytoma include:
- Headaches
- heart palpitations
- Sweating
- High pressure
As the tumor grows, attacks usually increase in frequency, length, and severity. Other symptoms of Pheochromocytoma that may occur include:
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Irritability, nervousness
- Pallor
- Weight loss
- nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breathe
- seizures
- sleep problems
Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis: Pheochromocytoma diagnosis has improved with modern technology. However, Pheochromocytoma is still difficult to diagnose. There are several different tests your doctor may use to diagnose Pheochromocytoma . Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma include:
- Laboratory tests to assess hormone levels
- Blood plasma test for catecholamine and metanephrine levels
- PET imaging
- Urine metanephrine test for catecholamine and metanephrine levels
- PET scan of the abdomen
Pheochromocytoma Treatments: Pheochromocytoma treatment involvesremoving the tumor with surgery. It is important to stabilize blood pressure and pulse with certain medications before surgery. You may need to stay in the hospital and have your vital signs carefully monitored around the time of surgery. After surgery, your vital signs will be continuously monitored in an intensive care unit.
When the tumor cannot be surgically removed, you will need to take medicine to manage it. A combination of drugs is usually needed to control the effects of the other hormones. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not effective in curing this type of tumor.
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Prevention of Pheochromocytoma: There are no known ways to prevent Pheochromocytoma .