Pheochromocytoma Symptoms

For a person with a pheochromocytoma, symptoms may include high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, heart palpitations, and chest pain. Other 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.

What Is Pheochromocytoma?

An Introduction to Pheochromocytoma Symptoms

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 Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma

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

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Headaches
Sweating
Heart palpitations
Pain in the chest
Flushing of the face
Feelings of anxiety
Nausea
Vomiting.

Final Thoughts on Pheochromocytoma Symptoms

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 symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.