# Pheochromocytoma --- **Pheochromocytoma** is a rare and usually benign tumor (only ~10% are [[cancer|malignant]]) of the medulla of the [[adrenal glands]]. 90% of the time it only affects one gland. The tumor causes the unregulated release of [[catecholamines]], which cause "adrenaline rushes" out of nowhere. Untreated it can lead to dissecting [[aneurysm|aneurysms]], [[arrhythmia|arrythmias]], and [[acute kidney failure]]. ## Risk Factors - equally affects AFAB/AMAB - age - 40-50 years old ## Signs & Symptoms Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma usually happen in **episodic attacks** as the surges of catecholamines hit. The typical symptoms are: - marked hypertension - headaches - diaphoresis - palpitations Other symptoms include: - weight loss - tachycardia - anxiety - tremulous - weakness - vertigo - blurred vision - tinnitus - air hunger - dyspnea - N/V - diarrhea - polyuria - feeling of impending doom ## Diagnostic Tests - 24-hour urine sample is diagnostic - elevations in creatinine, catecholamines and other stuff too ## Treatment - medical - [[antihypertensive|antihypertensives]] - surgical - Adrenalectomy ___