What Is Pheochromocytoma?
What is Pheochromocytoma?
4-7-2012
What is Pheochromocytoma and is there a cure? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary Pheochromocytoma is defined as, a tumor that is derived from chromaffin cells and is usually associated with paroxysmal or sustained hypertension. Chromaffin refers to staining deeply with chromium salts <chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla>. Paroxysmal means, of, relating to, or marked by paroxysms < the hypertension may be either sustained or paroxysmal>. Hypertension is the high arterial blood pressure that is usually indicated by an adult systolic blood pressure of 140 or greater(Pheochromocytoma - Medical Definition and More from Merriam-Webster. n.d.).
So what does all this mean in layman terms? Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue. It results in the release of too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that control heart rate, metabolism, and blood pressure. The adrenal glands are a part of the Endocrine system. It is this system that the body depends on to regulate normal body functions. Most of these types of tumors are benign and only about 10% are malignant. Pheochromocytoma may occur as a single tumor or as more than one growth. It usually develops in the medulla of one or both adrenal glands. Rarely, this kind of tumor occurs outside the adrenal gland, usually somewhere else in the abdomen. Pheochromocytomas produce excess amounts of adrenalin and related hormones, which are the "fight-or-flight" hormones usually released by the adrenal glands in response to stress(Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma. n.d.).
Now that there is a foundation of what Pheochromocytoma means, what is the diseases origin? Scientists are still unsure of the exact origin of this disease, but suspect that is of a genetic origin. There is no prevention of the disease and the symptoms may vary. Hypertension is the most common symptom of pheochromocytoma. The high blood pressure can either
4-7-2012
What is Pheochromocytoma and is there a cure? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary Pheochromocytoma is defined as, a tumor that is derived from chromaffin cells and is usually associated with paroxysmal or sustained hypertension. Chromaffin refers to staining deeply with chromium salts <chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla>. Paroxysmal means, of, relating to, or marked by paroxysms < the hypertension may be either sustained or paroxysmal>. Hypertension is the high arterial blood pressure that is usually indicated by an adult systolic blood pressure of 140 or greater(Pheochromocytoma - Medical Definition and More from Merriam-Webster. n.d.).
So what does all this mean in layman terms? Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue. It results in the release of too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that control heart rate, metabolism, and blood pressure. The adrenal glands are a part of the Endocrine system. It is this system that the body depends on to regulate normal body functions. Most of these types of tumors are benign and only about 10% are malignant. Pheochromocytoma may occur as a single tumor or as more than one growth. It usually develops in the medulla of one or both adrenal glands. Rarely, this kind of tumor occurs outside the adrenal gland, usually somewhere else in the abdomen. Pheochromocytomas produce excess amounts of adrenalin and related hormones, which are the "fight-or-flight" hormones usually released by the adrenal glands in response to stress(Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma. n.d.).
Now that there is a foundation of what Pheochromocytoma means, what is the diseases origin? Scientists are still unsure of the exact origin of this disease, but suspect that is of a genetic origin. There is no prevention of the disease and the symptoms may vary. Hypertension is the most common symptom of pheochromocytoma. The high blood pressure can either