Pheochromocytoma

What are the signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma develops in specific cells called chromaffin cells, located in the center of the adrenal gland. These cells release hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline that help control body functions like heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar. Many signs and symptoms are related to these body functions, which can cause:

• High blood pressure
• Elevated heartbeat
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Blurry vision
• Unexplained weight loss

What tests are used to diagnose pheochromocytoma?

Certain blood and urine tests will show your child’s doctor if their hormone levels are abnormal, which can help them diagnose pheochromocytoma. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can help your child’s doctor identify a tumor and see if it has spread. Because these tumors can be related to genetic diseases like Von Hippel-Lindau disease, your child’s doctor may also recommend genetic testing.

How is pheochromocytoma treated?

The most common treatment for pheochromocytoma is the surgical removal of the tumor, a procedure called an adrenalectomy. If the tumor is malignant (cancerous) and has spread outside the adrenal glands, your child's doctor may recommend chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Controlling blood pressure before the operation and managing the body’s response to the excess adrenaline is extremely important for the safety of your child during surgery. To do this in preparation for the surgery, we usually prescribe medications that are taken by mouth for several weeks prior to the surgery.

Why choose us for treatment of pheochromocytoma?

Our surgeons at Children’s Hospital Colorado are specially trained to remove tumors like these. Doctors from the Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Department of Pediatric Urology and the Surgical Oncology Program collaborate to devise the best approach to surgery.

Our team also includes oncologic geneticists who advise on managing your child’s condition over time. Pheochromocytomas are sometimes hereditary, so we may also recommend genetic screening for other family members.

Many times, our surgeons can perform surgery using minimally invasive surgery to reduce scarring and help your child heal faster. And because our surgery is designed specifically for children, we use specially designed instruments and pediatric-trained anesthesiologists for the best results.

Helpful resources

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training and provides information and resources for conditions like pheochromocytoma.

The American Pediatric Surgery Association provides information and resources about a variety of pediatric surgeries including adrenalectomies, the most common surgical treatment for pheochromocytoma.