Is pheochromocytoma a cancer?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Pheochromocytoma is not a cancer. It is a special type of tumor tissue that usually originates from the neuroectodermal chromaffin tissue. It can secrete catecholamines. Based on the specific origins of the tumor cells, it can be divided into types such as parasympathetic, paraganglioma, sympathetic, and ganglioneuroma. Most often, it presents with long-term hypertension, which can cause damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys due to prolonged hypertension, or severe increases in blood pressure can lead to hypertensive brain hemorrhage, thereby endangering the patient's life. Early treatment is often necessary.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Management of Pheochromocytoma Crisis

When a pheochromocytoma crisis occurs, the patient often first shows significant elevations in blood pressure, usually characterized by a rise in systolic pressure, which can exceed 200mmHg or even 300mmHg. Immediate administration of antihypertensive drugs for symptomatic treatment is necessary. Additionally, the patient may exhibit a clear hypermetabolic state, with profuse sweating, limb convulsions, and even consciousness disorders. At this point, the patient should be immediately transferred to the intensive care unit for close observation of any changes in their condition, and effective monitoring of vital signs should be conducted. Furthermore, patients should receive cardiac monitoring, blood oxygen saturation monitoring, and can be given intravenous infusions of sodium nitroprusside to rapidly reduce blood pressure. Meanwhile, ongoing observation of the patient’s condition and appropriate replenishment of blood volume are needed. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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The manifestations of pheochromocytoma crisis

For patients with pheochromocytoma, during a crisis, it generally manifests as a sudden increase in the patient's blood pressure, which can rise to above 200-300 mmHg. Additionally, the patient experiences severe headaches and dizziness, severe nausea and vomiting. Some patients may experience significant discomfort and tachycardia, arrhythmias. Some patients also suffer from abdominal or chest pain, labored breathing, and difficulty breathing, and even blurred vision. In severe cases, the excessively high blood pressure can lead to hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage or other unexpected cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The patient’s vital signs are extremely unstable, often accompanied by multiple organ dysfunction or failure.

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How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?

For patients with pheochromocytoma, comprehensive examinations are necessary for diagnosis. For instance, measuring catecholamines and their metabolites in blood or urine can help determine if there is a noticeable increase in catecholamine levels. Furthermore, adrenal CT scans can be used to assess the condition, where in many cases, significant occupying lesions can be detected through adrenal CT scans. In addition, other related tests also hold diagnostic value and significance, such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and related nuclear scanning tests, which can assist in qualitative and locational diagnosis.

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Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
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What size of pheochromocytoma is malignant?

The size of pheochromocytomas and the benign or malignant nature of the tumor are not greatly related. Usually, most are familial pheochromocytomas, which are most commonly bilateral, but they have a relatively high recurrence rate and are difficult to treat with fewer available treatment options. Once a pheochromocytoma is detected, it should be taken seriously and treated promptly. The presence of a tumor often indicates that it has developed to the mid and late stages, where it becomes relatively difficult to cure. Regardless of whether the tumor is large or small, it must be taken seriously and treated with care, otherwise, it may easily worsen and affect health.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Which department should I go to for pheochromocytoma?

When pheochromocytoma occurs, it is generally recommended to visit the endocrinology department of a local hospital. Pheochromocytoma refers to tumors originating from the neuroectoderm, specifically chromaffin tissue. These tumors usually secrete catecholamines and can be classified into various types based on their origin. Patients typically exhibit a pronounced hypermetabolic state, such as malignant hypertension or hyperglycemia, and some suffer significant damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain tissue due to malignant hypertension. For instance, this can lead to heart failure or hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, severely threatening the patient's life. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention.