Passionate about Healthcare? Join our team and help us shape a healthier tomorrow!

Health Library

Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma

Summary

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that usually starts in the cells of one of your adrenal glands. Although they are usually benign, pheochromocytomas often cause the adrenal gland to make too many hormones. This can lead to high blood pressure and cause symptoms such as :

  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Pounding of the heart
  • Being shaky
  • Being extremely pale

Sometimes pheochromocytoma is part of another condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN). People with MEN often have other cancers and other problems involving hormones.

Doctors use lab tests and imaging tests to diagnose it. Surgery is the most common treatment. Other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

National Cancer Institute

Patient Handouts

Treatments and Therapies

Find an Expert

Diagnosis and Tests

Children

Clinical Trials

Start Here

Genetics

Related Issues

Statistics and Research

Reference Desk

Journal Articles

Symptoms