Pheochromocytoma

//Western Diagnosis:// a catecholamine-secreting tumor

Incidence
1. 80% in adrenal medulla 2. equal in both genders 3. 10% bilateral 4. 95% benign - 30% of extra-adrenal tumors malignant 5. age 20-50

Signs & Symptoms
1. hypertension 2. tachycardia, diaphoresis, postural hypotension, tachypnea, flushing, cold clammy skin, HA, angina, palpitation, N, V, epigastric pain, visual disturbances, dyspnea, paresthesias, constipation, sense of impending doom 3. sx may be provoked by palpation of tumor, postural changes, abd massage, emotional trauma

Laboratory
1. elevated urinary metabolic products of E, NE a. VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) b. HVA (homovanillic acid)

Imaging
1. x-rays, CT, MRI to localize tumor

Treatment
1. surgery