Phaeochromocytoma (Phaeochromocytoma)

Pheochromocytoma (Phaeochromocytoma): Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Pheochromocytoma is a small vascular tumor that forms in the adrenal medulla. This rare tumor is endocrine and is characterized by uncontrolled and irregular secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine, also called catecholamines. Excess of these hormones in the body can lead to various symptoms and complications.

One of the main signs of pheochromocytoma is sudden and elevated blood pressure. Patients may experience attacks of hypertension, which is a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure. These attacks can cause heart problems such as angina (pain in the heart area) and arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). Moreover, pheochromocytoma can cause palpitations and headaches.

In addition to cardiovascular-related symptoms, patients with pheochromocytoma may also experience other unpleasant symptoms, including sweating, anxiety, nervousness, feeling hot, bloating, and weight loss. These symptoms may result from the effects of excess catecholamines on various organs and systems of the body.

Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma includes various methods. One of them is the analysis of the level of catecholamines and their metabolites in urine and blood. Pheochromocytoma formation can be detected using various imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Genetic testing may also be done to identify inherited forms of pheochromocytoma.

Treatment for pheochromocytoma usually involves surgical removal of the tumor. Patients may receive pre-treatment medication to reduce symptoms and control blood pressure. It is important that the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon who specializes in endocrine surgery to minimize risks and ensure complete removal of the tumor.

After removal of a pheochromocytoma, regular monitoring and monitoring is important to detect possible recurrence or the development of new tumors. Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, physical activity and avoidance of stress to maintain overall well-being and control potential risks.

In conclusion, pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that arises in the adrenal medulla. Excess release of epinephrine and norepinephrine causes cardiovascular symptoms such as high blood pressure, palpitations and headache. Diagnosis includes various methods such as catecholamine analysis, imaging and genetic testing. Surgical removal of the tumor is the main treatment method, followed by observation and control. Timely seeking medical help and an integrated approach to treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients with pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytoma or a hormonally active adrenal tumor can be described as two fundamentally different endocrinological pathologies, diagnosed due to differences in clinical manifestations. Their terminology sometimes causes controversy, so it is worth understanding the differences. Medullary and hormonally active adrenal tumors (pheochromocytomas): the significance of pathomorphological diagnostic criteria Dzdorbekov, R. A. Surgical anatomy of adrenal pheochromocytosis. Ufa: BSMU, 2017. In articles devoted to the problem of pheochromocytomas, there is no clear distinction between the term “pheochromocytoma” and “hormone-active” adrenal adenoma. This may lead to confusion among experienced surgeons in diagnosing this complex and rare adrenal disease. That is why the problem, which appeared more than half a century ago, is still relevant and requires revision in connection with the development of medical science and technology. It is necessary to clarify and improve the classification of pheochromocytomas. The pathomorphological basis of diagnosis is a detailed study of tumor cells in blue light mode (