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 repeated — they can occur several times a day, or even just once a month. If this diagnosis is not thought of, the symptoms tend to be mistaken for stress, panic attack or menopause, for example.
Approx 40% of these tumors have a hereditary basis, in other cases, these are genetic disorders that are not directly hereditary, but are involved in the formation of the tumor.
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are divided into 3 core groups (clusters) according to the type of genetic mutation, which helps to predict the behavior of the tumor, as well as to choose the right treatment.
The most significant are tumors from the first group (cluster 1) — they often arise already in childhood, have a higher risk of multiple occurrence, recurrence and formation of metastases.
Tumors with mutation tend to be the most aggressive SDHB and SDHA, tumors with a mutation tend to have a milder course SDHC.
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 basic step is to measure hormones in the blood or urine:
Biochemical tests are carried out in resting conditions, lying down, and the patient is prepared for them in advance according to the doctor's instructions.
We approach the localization of the tumor after biochemical confirmation presence of a tumor.
It is used if the tumor is not well visible or multiplicide/metastasis is suspected:
The basic procedure is removal of the tumor surgicallyif 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.
%20(1).png){kind=small}
.jpg)
.jpg)
