Diabetes & Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Pheochromocytoma
What is a pheochromocytoma?
A pheochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumor that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure, among other functions. Pheochromocytomas occur most frequently in young to middle-aged adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Ten percent of individuals affected are children who usually develop symptoms between the ages of 6 and 14.
What causes pheochromocytomas?
The causes of pheochromocytoma are multifactorial, meaning "many factors" contribute to the cause of the condition. In most cases, both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The condition can occur alone or in combination with other disorders. The following are the most common disorders associated with pheochromocytoma:
- neurofibromatosis
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes
- tuberous sclerosis
- Sturge-Weber syndrome
- a taxia-telangiectasia
What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?
The most common symptom of pheochromocytoma is high blood pressure, which is sometimes extreme. Each child may experience symptoms differently. Other symptoms may include:
- rapid pulse
- heart palpitations
- headache
- dizziness
- poor weight gain despite good appetite
- growth failure
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- pale skin
- clammy skin
- sweating
The symptoms of pheochromocytoma may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for pheochromocytoma may include:
- blood and urine tests (to measure hormone levels)
- computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a
diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer
technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both
horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images
of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
- radioisotope scan - uses radioactive substances introduced into the body to create an image of the functioning adrenal gland.
Treatment for pheochromocytoma:
Specific treatment for pheochromocytoma will be determined by your child's physician based on:
- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- the extent of the disease
- the type of disease
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment for pheochromocytoma usually includes removing the tumor. Before removing the tumor, however, your child's physician may prescribe medications to control high blood pressure. In children, there may be multiple tumors. An extensive evaluation to locate them will be required before surgery.
Continuous medical follow-up may be required to monitor the development of future tumors.
Family members may also want to consider testing to rule out the presence of the tumors, as genetics does appear to play a role in some cases.
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.
Contact Information
Jennifer Amaral
Endocrinology and DiabetesStephen W. Ponder, M.D. C.D.E. - Medical Director
Endocrinology and DiabetesChildren's Diabetes and Endocrine Center
4th Floor in the Joseph M. Sloan Building
3533 S. Alameda St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Clinic appointments: (361) 694-4986
Business Office: (361) 694-4864
Office Fax: (361) 694-4832
Statement of Compliance
Voted Best Place to Work in 2006 and 2007 | Ways to Give | Contact Us
Copyright © Driscoll Children's Hospital 2008
Corpus Christi, Texas
Live website tracking by Visistat
Learn about Diabetes 
