Phaeochromocytoma
Signs andsymptoms
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
The symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma tend to be unpredictable often occurring in sudden attacks lasting from a few minutes to an hour.
These attacks may become more frequent, longer and more severe as the tumour grows.
Although not everyone has them, the three typical symptoms are:
- severe headaches
- sweating
- heart palpitations
Other possible symptoms include:
- feeling irritable, nervous or anxious
- pale skin
- weight loss
- feeling tired and drowsy
- uncontrollable shakingor trembling ( tremors )
- feeling sick
- shortness of breath
- a facial flushing sensation (although your skin may look grey during these attacks)
- feeling dizzy or faint when your stand up (postural or orthostatic hypotension )
- chest pain or abdominal (tummy) pain
However, some people with phaeochromocytoma never develop symptoms, and their condition is never diagnosed or is only discovered during tests for another problem.
Some people have symptoms for many years before phaeochromocytoma is diagnosed.
Articles for Phaeochromocytoma
How the adrenal glands are affected
The adrenal glands produce a range of hormones that are vital for the normal working of the body. Most phaeochromocytomas develop at the centre of one or both of the adrenal glands, in a part called
Introduction
A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. They are usually benign (non-cancerous), although some are cancerous.
Outlook
Left untreated,phaeochromocytomas can cause severe problems and have a significant impact on your quality of life. Theeffects on your heart and blood pressure could lead to complications, some of whi
Signs andsymptoms
The symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma tend to be unpredictable often occurring in sudden attacks lasting from a few minutes to an hour. These attacks may become more frequent, longer and more severe as
Treatinga phaeochromocytoma
Most people with a phaeochromocytoma will have it surgically removed. You'll usually be given medication called alpha blockers for several weeks before the operation to block the effects of the exces
What causes phaeochromocytomas?
Mostphaeochromocytomas occur for no obvious reason and without a family history of the condition particularly those affecting adults. However, around one in every three or four occurs as part of an i
