Pheochromocytoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Pheochromocytoma is a condition characterized by the presence of tumors in the adrenal glands. The tumor belongs to the class of benign tumors.
Generally, this type of tumor involves one of the two adrenal glands, but it can involve both. When a person has pheochromocytoma, the tumor can secrete hormones that cause a temporary or persistent increase in blood pressure.
If left untreated, pheochromocytoma can cause serious or life-threatening damage to other body systems, especially the cardiovascular system.
Most people with pheochromocytoma are between the ages of 20 and 50, but the tumor can appear at any age. Surgical treatment to remove the tumor can generally bring blood pressure back to normal.
Symptom
Common signs and symptoms complained of by people with pheochromocytoma can include:
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Fast heart rate
- Tremors
- Pale on the face
- Hard to breathe
Some less common signs and symptoms are:
- Anxiety or feeling anxious
- Constipation
- Weight loss
Reason
The cause of pheochromocytoma is not known with certainty. These tumors can develop in certain cells, namely chromaffin cells, which are located in the center of the adrenal gland. These cells can secrete certain hormones, especially adrenaline and noradrenaline, which control various body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline are hormones that trigger the body’s response to a suspected threat. This hormone triggers an increase in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, and an increase in other body systems that make a person react quickly. Pheochromocytoma results in irregular and excess hormone secretion.
Sometimes, complaints caused by pheochromocytoma can arise suddenly or be triggered by factors such as:
- High physical activity.
- Anxiety or stress.
- Change in body position.
- Labor process.
- Surgery and anesthesia.
- Consume foods rich in tyramine, a substance that can affect blood pressure, and is commonly found in foods and drinks such as cheese, beer, wine, chocolate or smoked meats.
- Consumption of certain types of medication.
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma can be made from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations.
Several types of checks may be performed, including:
- Laboratory examination. Examination is carried out to measure levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, or the waste products of the two hormones through a 24-hour urine examination or blood test.
- Imaging examination. If the results of laboratory tests indicate the presence of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, the doctor may order one or more imaging tests to find a tumor.
- Examinations that can be performed include computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), imaging using Meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), or positron emission tomography (PET).
- Genetic examination. Doctors can also recommend genetic testing. This examination aims to determine if pheochromocytoma is associated with a certain congenital disease.
Treatment
The primary treatment for pheochromocytoma is surgery to remove the tumor. Before undergoing surgery, the doctor may prescribe specific drugs for high blood pressure that block the action of the hormone adrenaline which is released in high amounts. The goal is to reduce the risk of an increase in blood pressure during surgery. Before surgery, drugs can be given to lower blood pressure.
In most cases, the adrenal glands with pheochromocytoma can be removed with minimally invasive surgery. A healthy adrenal gland can carry out its function and replace the function of the removed adrenal gland, and blood pressure can return to normal.
If the tumor that occurs is a malignant tumor or cancer, the effectiveness of surgery is seen from the degree of removal of cancerous tissue. Because cancer is rarely seen in pheochromocytoma, the research available regarding the treatment of malignancy in this condition is limited. However, in general, the treatment of malignant tumors associated with pheochromocytoma includes radionuclear treatment, chemotherapy and surgery.
Prevention
Because the cause of pheochromocytoma is not known with certainty, until now there is no way that has been fully proven to be effective in preventing pheochromocytoma.