$Unique_ID{BRK01017}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism}
$Title{What is the Cause and Cure of Pheochromocytoma?}
$Subject{blood pressure tumor adrenal}
$Volume{C-22}
$Log{
Blood Pressure Figure 1*0009501.scf
Blood Pressure Figure 2*0009601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is the Cause and Cure of Pheochromocytoma?


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QUESTION:  We are getting all types of confusing details about our son's
condition (he is 34) called a pheochromocytoma.  He is having terribly high
blood pressure, and we want to know the cause and cure of this disease.  Will
you please help two distressed parents?

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ANSWER:  I will do my very best.  Pheochromocytomas are tumors of certain
cells called chromaffin cells (because they stain strongly with solutions
containing chromium salts).  Most frequently they occur in the adrenal gland,
but may be located in other parts of the body as well.  These tumors are able
to produce, store and release chemicals called catecholamines, which can cause
the blood pressure to rise rapidly and excessively.  These tumors are quite
rare, occurring in only about 0.1 percent of individuals with high blood
pressure (hypertension).  Although they may occasionally be malignant and
spread, they are almost always benign, about 95 percent of the time.  While
either sex may be affected, they occur in young people, as with your son.  In
about 15 percent of the cases the blood pressure remains constantly elevated,
but more commonly the hypertension occurs during an attack, a "crisis" or
"paroxysm".  These attacks occur suddenly, and may last from a few minutes to
several hours.  The patient experiences headache, profuse perspiration,
palpitations of the heart and a feeling of apprehension and anxiety.  They
appear pale, and may have pain in the chest or abdomen, occasionally with
nausea and vomiting.  As time goes on these crises become more frequent, and
are more severe, lasting longer.  The diagnosis may be made by finding the
presence of the catecholamines in a 24 hour urine specimen.  The treatment of
choice is to remove the tumor surgically.  Newer imaging techniques such as
Computed Tomography (CT Scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) among
others, permit the radiologist and surgeon to locate the tumor precisely
before the operation, and help plan the surgery.  The results are dramatic and
the surgery has a high rate of both success and safety.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
