Causative and risk factors
The exact cause of pheochromocytoma is not known. In some cases, it is familial in origin or it can occur due to genetic abnormalities. It is also associated with neurofibromatosis.
Clinical presentation
A patient of pheochromocytoma experiences headaches of sudden onset, palpitations, anxiety and diaphoresis (profuse perspiration). He/she suffers from severe hypertension. The patient looks pale and complains of nausea, weakness, tremors and constipation. He also has pain in the flank and in the epigastrium.
A pheochromocytoma can give rise to complications like cardiac arrhythmias, myocarditis, pulmonary oedema, heart failure and kidney failure.
Diagnosis & Investigations
Blood and 24-hour urine sample test are done to detect presence of catecholamines and metanephrine. CT scan of head, chest, neck and abdomen are performed to help localize the tumor.
Treatment
Surgical resection of the tumor is the treatment of choice.
Anti-hypertensive drugs can be used to bring down the blood pressure.
Benign pheochromocytoma has a good prognosis whereas the malignant one has a low survival rate.
