$Unique_ID{BRK02055}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{An Explanation of Pheochromocytoma}
$Subject{tumor tumors high blood pressure pheochromocytoma pigment bearing
cells adrenal gland kidney kidneys adrenaline hormone hormones rapid pulse
flushing headache nausea vomiting CT scans CT scan computed tomography}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Location and Function of the Endocrine Glands*0002901.scf
The Adrenal Glands*0002906.scf
Anatomy of the Kidney*0004801.scf
Cross Section of a Kidney*0004901.scf
Anatomy of Blood Pressure*0009501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


An Explanation of Pheochromocytoma


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QUESTION:  A fellow worker has been hospitalized for a tumor that caused him
to have severe spells, that were brought on by severe high blood pressure.
This has been going on for some time, and now they are planning to remove the
tumor by an operation.  Can you tell us anything about this condition, with
special attention to any possibility that others of us here may have been
exposed to anything that might cause us to fall prey to the same disease?  We
have been given little information by his family or his physician, and look to
you for assistance.

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ANSWER:  When a person falls ill, anxiety is normal among his co-workers, and
so letters like yours arrive in my mail box with some frequency.  In your
case, there is little to worry about.  The condition is called a
"pheochromocytoma", and is a tumor of pigment-bearing cells that is most often
found in the adrenal gland.  This gland is perched on the kidney, and produces
"adrenaline" as one of its functions.  The tumor has the same ability, but
secretes its product in an irrational fashion.  Rather than respond to the
body's needs for this hormone, it dumps quantities of adrenaline or similar
compounds into the blood stream at odd moments, causing the blood pressure to
rise suddenly to high levels.  This can cause a variety of symptoms including
rapid pulse, flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting and a feeling of
impending doom.  The tumors may be located by x-rays or CT scans (computed
tomography), but caution is advisable as merely pushing against the tumor
during an examination may provoke an attack.  Once the diagnosis has been
confirmed, an operation becomes the treatment of choice.
     The patient is often treated for a period of time before scheduling the
operation to stabilize his condition as much as possible.  Although the tumors
are most frequently found in the adrenal gland, a diligent surgeon will have
to search other locations, such as along the aorta, for additional possible
tumors.  All must be removed if the condition is to be controlled.  To the
best of my knowledge there are no environmental causes linked to the
development of these tumors, so you and your co-workers have little to fear.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.