open surgery – a single larger incision is made in the skin to access and remove the tumour."keyhole" (laparoscopic) surgery – a number of small cuts (incisions) are made and fine instruments are passed through these to remove the tumour this is the most common type of surgery for phaeochromocytomas.The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic (when you're unconscious). They block the effects of the excess hormones on your body and stabilise your heart rate and blood pressure. You'll usually be given medicine called alpha blockers (and in some cases beta blockers) for several weeks before the operation. Most people with a phaeochromocytoma will need surgery to have it removed. In this case, you'd have further tests to find out more about the tumour, which may include:Ĭancer Research UK has more information about the tests and scans that are used to help diagnose a phaeochromocytoma.
Diagnosing a phaeochromocytomaĭiagnosing a phaeochromocytoma can be difficult because the symptoms are quite general and could be caused by many other more common conditions.Īn adrenal gland tumour is sometimes discovered during a scan for another reason. If you're diagnosed with a phaeochromocytoma, your doctor may recommend having genetic testing to see if you have any of these disorders. These genetic disorders cause different tumours or growths to develop around the body. However, up to 1 in every 3 occurs as part of an inherited genetic disorder, such as: Many phaeochromocytomas occur for no obvious reason and do not run in the family. Others have symptoms for many years before a phaeochromocytoma is diagnosed. Some people with a phaeochromocytoma do not have symptoms, and their condition is either never diagnosed or only discovered during tests for another problem. The symptoms and signs of a phaeochromocytoma can include: The attacks may last longer, and become more frequent and severe, as the tumour grows. The symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma tend to be unpredictable, often occurring in sudden attacks lasting from a few minutes to an hour. These hormones control heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism (the chemical processes that keep your organs working).Ī phaeochromocytoma can cause the adrenal glands to produce too much of these hormones, which often results in problems such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure. The adrenal glands make the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are released into the bloodstream when needed. How the tumour affects the adrenal glands
It's usually possible to successfully remove a phaeochromocytoma using surgery.
It will usually be non-cancerous (benign), although around 1 in 10 are cancerous (malignant). The tumour is mainly found in adults, although children can sometimes develop one. A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys.
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