Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare tumors arising from hormone-producing cells. Most often they affect the adrenal glands or nerve tissue in the abdomen and neck area. Typically, they are manifested by fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, sweating, or anxiety. Early recognition and expert treatment are essential.
Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise in the adrenal region (so-called intraadrenal paragangliomas). They produce stress hormones — catecholamines, which include adrenaline and norepinephrine.
Paragangliomas are similar to them, but arise outside the adrenal gland — most commonly in the abdominal cavity, more rarely in the pelvis, chest, or head and neck area.
Seizures tend to be recurrent—they can occur several times a day or as infrequently as once a month. If this diagnosis is not considered, the symptoms are often mistaken for stress, panic attacks, or menopause, for example.
Approx. 40% of these tumors have a hereditary basis; in other cases, these are genetic disorders that are not directly inherited but contribute to tumor development.
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are divided into 3 core groups (clusters) based on the type of genetic mutation, which helps predict tumor behavior and determine the appropriate treatment.
The most significant are tumors from the first group (cluster 1) — they often arise in childhood and carry a higher risk of multiple occurrences, recurrence, and metastasis.
Tumors with mutations SDHB and SDHAtend to be the most aggressive, while tumors with an SDHCmutation tend to have a milder course.
Every health problem has its own context. If you are hesitant about what is best for you, arrange a consultation. Our doctors will walk you through the situation and recommend a course of action that makes sense — professionally, sensitively, without unnecessary stress.
The first step is to measure hormone levels in the blood or urine:
Biochemical tests are performed while resting in a supine position, and the patient is prepared for them in advance according to the doctor's instructions.
We approach tumor localization following biochemical confirmation of the presence of a tumor.
Used if the tumor is not clearly visible or if multiple tumors/metastases are suspected:
The primary approach is surgical removal of the tumorwhenever possible:
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare diseasesthat require specialized care. Patients should turn to centers that have experience with their diagnostics, genetic testing, and treatment.
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