Phaeochromocytoma
Treatinga phaeochromocytoma
Most people with a phaeochromocytoma will have it surgically removed.
You'll usually be given medication called alpha blockers for several weeks before the operation to block the effects of the excess hormones on your body and stabilise your blood pressure and pulse ready for surgery.
You may also be given a medication called beta blockers if your doctor thinks it necessary.
The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic (where you are asleep) and may be done as:
- laparoscopic ('keyhole') surgery where a number of small incisions (cuts) are made and fine instruments are passed through these to remove the tumour; this is the most common type of surgery for phaeochromocytomas
- open surgery where a single, larger incision is made in the skin to access and remove the tumour
The incisions will usually be made in your abdomen.
Your doctor will discuss the best type of operation for you and explain the procedure to you in detail, including the risks, and will answer any questions you have.
Ifyour phaeochromocytoma iscancerous, you may also need chemotherapy or radiotherapy in addition tosurgery.
If your tumour cannot be removed, you will need medication to manage your condition usually a combination of medicines to control the effects of the excessive hormones.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. They are usually benign (non-cancerous), although some are cancerous.
How the adrenal glands are affected
The adrenal glands produce a range of hormones that are vital for the normal working of the body. Most phaeochromocytomas develop at the centre of one or both of the adrenal glands, in a part called
Signs andsymptoms
The symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma tend to be unpredictable often occurring in sudden attacks lasting from a few minutes to an hour. These attacks may become more frequent, longer and more severe as
What causes phaeochromocytomas?
Mostphaeochromocytomas occur for no obvious reason and without a family history of the condition particularly those affecting adults. However, around one in every three or four occurs as part of an i
Treatinga phaeochromocytoma
Most people with a phaeochromocytoma will have it surgically removed. You'll usually be given medication called alpha blockers for several weeks before the operation to block the effects of the exces
Outlook
Left untreated,phaeochromocytomas can cause severe problems and have a significant impact on your quality of life. Theeffects on your heart and blood pressure could lead to complications, some of whi
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