Risk Factors And Causes For A Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytomas are tumors that form on the adrenal glands, located just on top of the kidneys. The tumors are a type of paraganglioma and are benign in ninety percent of cases. Typically, pheochromocytomas develop from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal glands, resulting in too many catecholamines being released into the body. This flood of catecholamines triggers a variety of symptoms, including high blood pressure, fast heart rate, sweating, headaches, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Some patients may also experience weight loss, anxiety, and constipation. The symptoms caused by pheochromocytomas may occur without any trigger, but sometimes they can appear after a patient eats foods containing high levels of tyramine such as chocolate, smoked meats, and certain types of cheese, wine, and beer. Taking stimulants or MAOI medications may also trigger a symptomatic episode, and these can also occur if a patient has recently had surgery, given birth, or undergone a vigorous workout. Surgery to remove the tumors and medications to reduce blood pressure are typically the only treatments needed for most patients. Let's investigate some of the major risk factors and causes for pheochromocytomas now.