Pheochromocytoma develops in the adrenal gland and is a rare tumor. There are two adrenal glands in the body, and are a part of the endocrine system. Each is located above one of the two kidneys. They produce hormones that are important to every tissue and organ in the body. This condition is characterized by glands that produce too much of the hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine and results in raising the heart rate and blood pressure. It can be a life threatening condition if it is looked over or untreated. This condition can develop at any point in a persons life. An attack of symptoms can be experienced sporadically and as the tumor grows, the severity and frequency of symptoms increases. It occurs most frequently in adults between the ages of 30 to 60 years old.
Symptoms of this condition are numerous and include abdominal pain, flushing, irritability, sweating, nervousness, sleeping difficulty and severe headache. Symptoms that are related more to the heart include chest pain, rapid heart rate, and palpitations. As the tumor produces excess chemicals known as catecholamines, symptoms will develop. These hormones can be released intermittently or continuous. Symptoms can change depending on the rate of excretion. It is important to consult a physician if there are symptoms of extreme headache or if controlling the blood pressure becomes difficult. Vitals signs are monitored and CT scans, MRIs of the abdominal cavity, glucose tests, and an adrenal gland biopsy can be requested. Tumors that are benign can be removed and less than 10% of patients see a recurrence of problems. In patients with cancerous tumors, the cancer often spreads to the bones, lungs, and liver and includes a higher risk of fatality.
The cause of this condition starts with the chromaffin cell. These cell are found in the core of the adrenal gland are the source of the problem. In most cases this condition only affects one of the adrenal glands, but can develop in both glands in some cases. It can occur alone or in combination with other disorders. The most common conditions that are associated include tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. A specific genetic mutation could be the cause, so patients that have a family medical history of the disease should be tested early.
Medications that treat pheochromocytoma include beta blockers and alpha blockers. Beta blockers block beta adrenergic and make the heart rate slow with little force. They affect the norepinephrine hormone and slows the nerve impulses that travel through the heart. As it slows, less oxygen is required and the heart doesn’t work as hard. They also slow the release of renin from the kidneys and help dilate the blood vessels. Alpha blockers affect norepinephrine from triggering the muscles of the veins and allowing the vessel walls to constrict. They are alpha adrenergic blocking agents that improve blood flow. They are usually prescribed to return the blood pressure to normal and followed up by beta blockers that control the irregular heartbeat. Other options include surgery to remove the adrenal gland or laparoscopic surgery. Surgery may not be an option for every patient if the tumor has spread or is growing. If pheochromocytoma is cancerous, radiation and chemotherapy may also be required.