Pheochromocytoma

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs

Definition

A pheochromocytoma (fe-o-kro-mo-si-TOE-muh) is a rare tumor that develops in the core of an adrenal gland. You have two adrenal glands, one just above each of your kidneys. Your adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body.

If you have a pheochromocytoma, your adrenal glands can produce too much of certain hormones, raising your blood pressure and heart rate. A pheochromocytoma may be life-threatening if unrecognized or untreated.

A pheochromocytoma can develop at any age, but most commonly occurs in people between ages 30 and 60. Most of the time, a pheochromocytoma is noncancerous (benign), and treatment can return blood pressure to normal.

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Symptoms