Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis FAQ
What is pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that can cause high blood pressure and other symptoms.
How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests, imaging studies, and genetic testing to confirm the presence of the tumor.
What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?
Symptoms may include high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
What are the treatment options for pheochromocytoma?
Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor and medications to control blood pressure.
Is pheochromocytoma hereditary?
About 25-35% of cases are associated with hereditary syndromes.
Can pheochromocytoma be cured?
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good, and many patients can be cured.
Are there medications for pheochromocytoma?
Yes, medications such as alpha-blockers and beta-blockers may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Is genetic testing necessary for pheochromocytoma diagnosis?
Genetic testing is recommended to determine if there is a hereditary component to the condition.
What imaging studies are used to diagnose pheochromocytoma?
Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, and nuclear medicine scans are commonly used to locate and analyze the tumor.
Can pheochromocytoma cause anxiety?
Yes, anxiety is one of the symptoms that can be caused by a pheochromocytoma due to the release of excess adrenaline.
Is pheochromocytoma related to adrenal gland function?
Yes, pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal glands and can affect their normal function.
Does pheochromocytoma always cause symptoms?
No, some adrenal tumors do not cause symptoms and are found incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons.
How common is pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytoma is quite rare, with an estimated incidence of 2-8 cases per million people per year.
Can pheochromocytoma be mistaken for other conditions?
Yes, the symptoms of pheochromocytoma can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or other types of hypertension.
What are the risks of untreated pheochromocytoma?
If left untreated, pheochromocytoma can lead to dangerously high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, or other serious complications.
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Information provided by Maryam Abdullahi-Mahdi. Reviewed by Mr. Matthew Liew