Pheochromocytoma Symptoms

For a person with a pheochromocytoma, symptoms may include high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, heart palpitations, and chest pain. Other pheochromocytoma symptoms may include feelings of anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms of pheochromocytoma are caused by the extra catecholamines produced by the adrenal glands as a result of the tumor.

 

Pheochromocytoma Symptoms: An Introduction

A pheochromocytoma usually develops over time. As the cells grow within the adrenal gland, they can spread more deeply. Most pheochromocytomas are benign (noncancerous), so they do not spread outside the adrenal gland. If a pheochromocytoma is cancerous, it can grow within the adrenal gland and also to surrounding areas. When cancerous pheochromocytoma spreads (metastasizes) outside the adrenal gland, cancer cells are often found in tissues around the adrenal gland, the lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.
 

Common Pheochromocytoma Symptoms

Pheochromocytomas cause the adrenal glands to make too many hormones called catecholamines (which include adrenaline). The extra catecholamines cause common pheochromocytoma symptoms. These symptoms of pheochromocytoma can include:
 

Pheochromocytoma Symptoms: Final Thoughts

The symptoms discussed in this article are not sure signs of pheochromocytoma. Other less serious health problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these possible pheochromocytoma symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD