A pheochromocytoma is a rare, usually benign (noncancerous) tumor that develops in an adrenal gland. Usually, this type of tumor affects one of your two adrenal glands, but it can affect both.
Pheochromocytoma causes high blood pressure and left untreated, can result in severe or life-threatening damage to other body systems, especially the cardiovascular system. Other symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Tremors
- Paleness in the face (pallor)
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely order blood and urine tests. If those tests indicate the possibility of a pheochromocytoma, you may also have imaging tests, such as a CT scan, MRI or PET scan.