Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that
causes too much release of epinephrine and norepinephrine --
hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Chromaffin
tumors; Paraganglionoma Pheochromocytoma may occur as a single
tumor or as more than one growth. It usually develops in the
center (medulla) of one or both adrenal glands. Sometimes this
kind of tumor occurs outside the adrenal gland, usually
somewhere else in the abdomen. Less than 10% of
pheochromocytomas are cancerous (malignant), meaning they have
the potential to spread to other parts of the body. The tumors
may occur at any age, but they are most common from early to
mid-adulthood. About 10% of the time there is a family history
of the disease. Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
There may be an attack of the symptoms listed above (paroxysm).
It may occur at unpredictable intervals (sporadic). The
paroxysms may increase in frequency, length, and severity as the
tumor grows. An examination of vital signs can s