A pheochromocytoma is a tumor that most often develops in the chromaffin cells of the adrenal glands. This eMedTV article offers an overview of pheochromocytomas, including information about symptoms they may cause and treatment for the tumors.
In cases involving a pheochromocytoma, symptoms may include high blood pressure, sweating, and chest pain. This eMedTV segment identifies common symptoms of a pheochromocytoma and explains what to do if they occur.
Diagnosing pheochromocytoma may begin with a review of the patient's medical history and a physical exam. This eMedTV article explains the steps involved in diagnosing a pheochromocytoma, and describes tests doctors use in the diagnostic process.
Pheochromocytoma stages include localized benign, regional, metastatic, and recurrent pheochromocytoma. This eMedTV page defines these stages and discusses the tests used in pheochromocytoma staging (such as blood or urine tests, CT scans, and MRIs).
For a person with a pheochromocytoma, treatment will most often involve surgery to remove the tumor. This eMedTV article discusses other treatment options for pheochromocytomas, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
This segment of the eMedTV Web site breaks down pheochromocytoma treatment by stage of the tumor. In most cases, treatment of pheochromocytoma will involve surgery; other treatment options may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
A pheochromocytoma prognosis is a prediction as to the likely course and outcome of the cancer. This eMedTV resource highlights some of the factors that doctors consider concerning the prognosis for people with a pheochromocytoma.
For people with a pheochromocytoma, support may come from a variety of sources. This eMedTV resource discusses pheochromocytoma support groups and other potential sources of support, such as social workers, counselors, and members of the clergy.
A routine, effective pheochromocytoma screening test has yet to be developed. This eMedTV article explains the concept of screening for pheochromocytomas and how it differs from testing people suspected of having such a tumor.
In the case of pheochromocytoma, research scientists are studying the use of new drugs to treat the tumor. This eMedTV Web page outlines other research currently being conducted to find more effective ways of treating a pheochromocytoma.
For some people diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma, questions for the doctor can be difficult to remember. This eMedTV resource provides a list of questions concerning pheochromocytoma that patients may wish to ask their doctor.
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