It may be more likely if your loved one is: Too tired . The adrenal glands are vital to your well-being and they play an extremely important role in producing the hormones that we need, particularly during times of stress, as well as regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure and other essential functions. The term pheochromocytoma (in Greek, phios means dusky, chroma means color, and cytoma means tumor) refers to the color the tumor cells acquire when stained with chromium salts. A pheochromocytoma (pronounced FEE-oh-KROH-moh-sy-TOH-muh) is a rare tumor that forms in the center of one or both of your adrenal glands (adrenal medulla). Many patients report that exercise may provoke pheochromocytoma "surges". Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors. Hi Leta, My pheochromocytoma symptoms were worse at night usually because I was less active in the evenings. And all that came along with this the self-doubt and the polite doubt from my loved ones. Tips. Now you are on the other side of this horrific ordeal, and I wish you continued healing both physically and emotionally. A pheochromocytoma is a rare but treatable tumor that forms in the middle of your adrenal gland. You have high blood pressure that is difficult to control, You are taking more than 4 drugs for blood pressure, You have high blood pressure before age 35 or after age 60, Pain in the lower chest or upper belly area, Foods rich in tyramine (like beer, wine and cheese), Biochemical analysis to test plasma metanephrines (a byproducts of hormones in the blood). If youre experiencing symptoms of pheochromocytoma, such as high blood pressure and headaches, talk to your provider. Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment. Anger, irritability put down to ? But small clusters of these cells are also in the heart, head, neck, bladder, back wall of the stomach (abdomen) and along the spine. This can make the condition more difficult to detect. [8] The classic triad includes headaches (likely related to elevated blood pressure, or hypertension ), tachycardia /elevated heart rate, and diaphoresis (excessive sweating, particularly at night, also known as hyperhidrosis ). A tumor arising from catecholamine-producing chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla that classically presents with headaches, diaphoresis, and palpitations in the setting of paroxysmal hypertension. The classic symptoms of pheochromocytoma include: high blood pressure, rapid heart rate (palpitations), headache, flushing, and sweating. A part of me was comforted when he guaranteed that my doctor wouldnt find it. Pheochromocytoma and irregular blood pressure, Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2B (MEN 2B), Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) support group, Long Time Survivor With Concerns re Metastasis, Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type IIB (MEN IIB). Show of hands if you were just as clueless until now? 2014; doi:10.1210/jc.2014-1498. The youre a busy mom and of course you are stressed out conversation. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. My tumor was on my right adrenal gland. McGraw-Hill Education; 2017. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. The endocrine system also includes the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females) and testicles (in males). On one particularly mentally exhausting day, my doctor, my hero, promised me one last test. Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytomas often include: High blood pressure Headache Heavy sweating Rapid heartbeat Tremors Pallor Shortness of breath Panic attack-type symptoms Less common signs or symptoms may include: Anxiety or sense of doom Blurry vision Constipation Weight loss Symptomatic spells Mayo Clinic. If neither of these imaging studies shows a tumor, but lab tests confirm that one is present, MIBG scintigraphy may be used. Most patients feel much better and their blood pressure improves greatly after treatment. Current diagnosis of pheo based on multi-symptoms, mainly high blood pressure and metanephrine 638 mcg/24h and normetanephrine 2323 mcg/24h (total 2961 mcg/2hr). We have an adrenal gland above each of our two kidneys. My story is way too long to type up im going back 10 years. Off you go with a prescription for anti-anxiety and high blood pressure meds. Still between points A and B, I continued through a series of tests that ultimately sculpted me in to a different human being today. Stay in touch warm wishes, Doctors are taught when examining a patient to weigh the symptoms and settle on the most common and highest likelihood diagnosis. I am of average weight. They are very supportive. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Each adrenal gland has two parts. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Policy. Most of the chromaffin cells are in the adrenal glands. My results were through the roof which was what kept my doctor digging. While in the midst of depression and frustration, a co-worker, who was doubling as a cheerleader (and an admitted believer of the anxiety theory by this point), said to me, Dont give up on yourself. You are not added to any lists and your information is never sold nor shared. We report a 49-year-old woman with pheochromocytoma whose blood pressure (BP) was elevated regularly only at night. incidence among the general population is about 0.8 per 100,000 person-years, and is estimated to be 0.1-0.6% in the hypertensive population. The tumor is made of a certain type of cell called a chromaffin cell, which produce and release the hormones that cause the fight or flight response. Meclizine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties. I settled on this random and junior doctor at a practice she was available. Just want to confirm that this, or any of your doctors, is an endocrinologist. Researchers dont know what causes most cases. Unlike norepinephrine-and epinephrine-secreting tumors, dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas lack a classic clinical presentation and are often asymptomatic. But if you continue testing the 24 hour urine collection is a must! Your adrenal medullae make hormones called catecholamines that help regulate the following important bodily functions and aspects: Sometimes a pheochromocytoma can release extra adrenaline and noradrenaline into your blood, causing certain symptoms. American Heart Association. For some patients, the pheo is cancerous and since it is so challenging to find and diagnose (as it is an evil imitator of anxiety, high blood pressure etc. Get me through work. Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are found above each kidney. Ablation therapy. Definition. Although lying down certainly brought symptoms on as well. Causes Pheochromocytoma may occur as a single tumor or as more than one growth. But tumors can develop in both. The pain can be so severe that it can keep you up all night. Pheochromocytoma in the adrenal gland is rarely cancerous, but it may be linked to cancer in other glands, like the thyroid. This extended my ordeal of course. Interestingly my surgery was also on April the 2nd although it was in 2015. In between. I also value the fact that others know more than me and I want to know more about that. I dont know but Ive had so many unusual symptoms. Typical symptoms include: Severe Headache Palpitations or rapid heart rate Profuse sweating Flushing or feeling hot Chest pain or chest pressure Are pheochromocytomas dangerous? Im hoping I can find some answers as I feel like Im going mad . In very rare cases, pheochromocytomas is cancerous and may come back. Supportive comments and my trusty cheerleaders would come and go (through no fault of their own). My pheochromocytoma journey is why Own Your Best was born. Learn how a clinical trial may be a good option for you with this informative video. Finding and treating it could cure unsafe blood pressure. May I ask, did your endocrinologist order the 24 hour urine collection lab test (for catecholamines and metanephrines)? Accessed Dec. 15, 2021. Information and resources to help you stay up-to-date. Scintigraphy (MIBG scan): Most of the time, a pheochromocytoma can be detected with a CT or MRI. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. They prepare other body systems that enable you to react quickly. Uncontrolled bleeding in your brain (cerebral hemorrhaging). Tumors can appear anywhere along the sympathetic chain, but 85% are in the adrenal gland. It results in the release of too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that control heart rate, metabolism, and blood pressure. 11. If the tumor is in one area only or has spread to other places in your body (metastasized). Theres another misguided approach that resonates with me called the Black Swan Theory. I am not well-versed in the lab terminology so hopefully Im translating this right! that are real and detrimental. Its certainly a little easier to look back now and evaluate things like coping with what was for a long time, the Pheochromocytoma symptoms, as an unknown cause of my misery. Accessed Dec. 15, 2021. It is important to diagnose this problem early. Use of Meclizine interferes with the vestibular system's ability to compensate for a . The diseased adrenal gland could be removed with laparoscopic, robotic or open surgery. They are part of your endocrine system. You have more than one tumor in one adrenal gland. An extreme drop in blood pressure upon standing suddenly (. Targeted therapy is a treatment option that uses medications or other substances to attack specific cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The attacks may last longer, and become more frequent and severe, as the tumour grows. The best treatment option is surgery, when feasible. Maggie, Hi Brenda i wish you the best with your surgery. 5. Nearly 50% are thought to be due to germline mutations. If youve been diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma, it may be helpful to ask your healthcare provider the following questions: Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor. Sbardella E, et al. to B, the outcome which remains elusive and unknown. Patients receive medication to treat the signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Just a quick question regarding your tests. Required fields are marked *. Accessed Dec. 15, 2021. Approximately 90% of pheochromocytomas are successfully removed by surgery. I am so very thankful I will never know for sure. If you have a pheochromocytoma, your provider may recommend a type of surgery called adrenalectomy to remove one or both of your adrenal glands. She heard me. Medication that keeps your blood pressure normal, such as, Medication that keeps your heart rate normal, such as. Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Treatment (PDQ)Patient Version. Sudden attacks often last less than 1 hour. Our Antivert (meclizine HCl) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. Experience the best Mindfulness Meditation techniques click here.. The classic triad of paroxysmal symptoms?consisting of palpitations, diaphoresis, and headaches?should prompt a consideration of this diagnosis and appropriate . Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that comes from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and secretes catecholamines. Less than 1% of people who have high blood pressure have a pheochromocytoma. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 2019; doi:10.1056/NEJMra1806651. Young WF, et al. Pheochromocytoma causes a variety of signs and symptoms, including (in alphabetical order): What are common symptoms of pheochromocytoma? So please dont give up continue to see different doctors, demand multiple 24 hour urine labs and hopefully scans as well. The Urology Care Foundation Humanitarian Program recognizes and supports individuals and projects that provide direct urologic patient care for impoverished individuals and communities in underserved areas, either within or outside the United States. While most pheochromocytoma cases have an unknown cause, theres a significant link to certain inherited conditions. OwnYourBest.com uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site and the most popular pages. I avidly work to maintain the highest level of emotional, physical and spiritual wellness possible and Im doing damn good at it but its a process. The good news is that its often benign and treatable. Strangely the most ordinary and subtle of movements would prompt these intense pheochromocytoma symptoms. My best wishes for good health! The symptoms include pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks. Your home gym essentials checklist, Jacobs Ladder Machine for Sale and Reviews, Home Rowers: Best Rowing Machine Under $500, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yltxmm90N5g. Brenda wow what a traumatic ordeal youve been going through! Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Hi Joleen Oh Im so sorry to hear that NOT ONLY are you dealing with pheochromocytoma symptoms but sounds like youre getting pushback from your doctor to go for further testing! Treatment options for pheochromocytoma depend on several factors, including: If you have pheochromocytoma that causes symptoms due to excess adrenal hormones, your healthcare provider will likely recommend medication to manage the symptoms. Among the 4 MRIs that I had undergone, {head, neck, chest} the one of my Abdomen revealed the 20 MM pheo on my right adrenal gland. Feeling shaky. There are many other less common, non-specific pheochromocytoma symptoms. Your story sounds so much like my story! We do this to give you the best experience on our website. The release of excessive catecholamines results in high blood pressure and other characteristic symptoms of pheochromocytoma. After some time, however, prolonged strain of the eye muscles can lead to vertical heterophoria, where the muscles give up. I dont smoke. A pheochromocytoma is a rare, usually benign, tumor that can cause life-threatening high blood pressure (hypertension).The tumors produce too much catecholamine hormone [such as norepinephrine (noradrenaline), epinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine] which can cause episodes of high blood pressure.In about 10% of cases, pheochromocytomas are malignant (cancerous) but they can be cured if they . Researchers are currently studying sunitinib, a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of metastatic pheochromocytoma. Most pheochromocytomas are discovered in people between the ages of 20 and 50. Isnt that odd that we both called them that. The center of your adrenal gland is called your adrenal medulla. Or they can happen just a . The higher points show the top number of the reading (systolic pressure). Symptoms include high blood pressure and headaches, though you could experience no symptoms. Knowing that even the head of her practice was so confident that I didnt have a pheochromocytoma, if he were my doctor, I would likely be still walking in your shoes. Although my pheochromocytoma symptoms would come and go, these eventsthe pounding of my heart and head, and the symptoms mentioned above occurred while I was at rest and would shift my position. So I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, many have insomnia as one of many symptoms in dealing with these tumors. Talk to your health care provider if any of these factors apply to you: The endocrine system includes the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries and testicles. Before surgery, drugs are often given to block the effects of hormones and help blood pressure. I can certainly see why you had open surgery with the size of your pheo. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor found in the adrenal medulla (the inner part of the adrenal gland). Accumulation of fluid in your lungs (pulmonary. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Thank you. Please see and endocrinologist and insist on more tests. I know my body. In most cases of pheochromocytoma, the exact cause is unknown, and it occurs randomly. So yes, pheochromocytoma symptoms were even worse at night due to lying in bed. The graph shows a nine-day period of short, irregular bursts in blood pressure due to a pheochromocytoma. Nutrition Reviews. Only the most meaningful messages will land in your inbox! Learn more. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Thank you:), Hi Andrea thanks so much for reaching out and sharing your situation. Chemotherapy is usually given intravenously through a vein (intravenously). In: Netter's Clinical Anatomy. Pheochromocytoma happens in less than 1 out of 100 people with high blood pressure and more than 95 out of 100 of those cases are not cancer. Since pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor and is sometimes asymptomatic, it can be difficult to diagnose. A pounding, fast or irregular heartbeat. Stomach, side, or back pain. Being much paler than usual. But the tumor can develop at any age. Yet what she ultimately discovered was beyond what I had imagined. For more notsoexciting info, follow this link. Pheochromocytoma is often associated with paroxysmal hypertension. Anesthesia is used. For a smaller tumor, especially in hereditary cases, only the diseased part of the gland is removed. A pheo is a rare tumor that usually develops in cells of one of the two adrenal glands. They can last anywhere from 30 eternal seconds to several minutes and will leave you with residual tremors and exhaustion. His eyes may not have a slight height . Pheochromocytoma Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue. Thanks for posting your story. I eat well. They can happen several times a week, or only a few times a year. Your story hits so many markers for me Im 53 and started with the headaches as you described saw drs but put down to stress, neck stiffness, pillow needed adjusting etc. Although I would have preferred not to have not gone through this ordeal, I can say without hesitation that my pheochromocytoma story eventually changed thetrajectory of my life for the better. A thorough physical and medical evaluation. It diminishes vestibular stimulation and depresses . Some patients, sufferers and victims, never find it the adrenal pheochromocytoma nickname is the autospy tumor (for obvious reasons). Surgery to remove a pheochromocytoma usually returns blood pressure to normal. Dec. 20, 2021. A pheochromocytoma causes more of these hormones to be released, and it causes them to be released when you're not in a threatening situation. We had exhausted many and, well this is for another story, but during this journey the possibility of thyroid cancer was looming. This was a bittersweet time for sure. Although they are usually benign, pheochromocytomas often cause the adrenal gland to make too many hormones. Accessed Jan. 12, 2020. If it has, your surgeon will remove the affected tissue(s) as well, if possible. Anxiety attacks. Constipation. It will often appear on the extremities and in rare cases, on the entire body. Hello Laura, Im terribly sorry youre going through all of this physical and emotional pain. Pheochromocytoma symptoms although they come and go, and are brief (a relative word of course), are also debilitating. The hormones cause blood pressure to increase and the heart to beat faster. These episodes can happen anywhere from several times a day to a couple of times a month. I am simply thankful towake up to newchallenges and new chances to live a life of wellness, love and gratitude. [6] Doctors and specialists would come and go. I had an MIBG scan which didnt show the tumor and also had a CAT scan which I found out later did reveal the tumor however the radiologist missed it. Tyramine is common in foods that are fermented, aged, pickled, cured, overripe or spoiled. I wish you a swift recovery. Visit SHOP & OWN IT for the BEST fitness and motivational products that will UPLIFT your physical and emotional health! 0 A pheochromocytoma produces frightening and confusing symptoms.Despite how much our family has come to loathe this diagnosis, if one can be objective, it is a fascinating medical marvel, an. https://www.cancer.gov/pediatric-adult-rare-tumor/rare-tumors/rare-endocrine-tumor/pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. I cannot get doctors to believe me because my blood and urine tests (just like yours) keep coming back negative. The signs and symptoms of a pheochromocytoma are those related to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. Headache. Own my choices in my pursuit of truth. Chromaffin cell tumors located outside of the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas. My mother had pheo and you would think that would be enough for them to continue but it is not. Ablation therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option that uses very high or very low temperatures to destroy tumors. This content does not have an English version. They may cause the same effects on the body as a pheochromocytoma. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. a. Depresses labyrinth excitability and . Carney-Stratakis dyad [paraganglioma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)]. Hello, I will do my best to explain and please forgive my lack of medical terminology. My endocrinologist had a hunch, albeit along with some reasonable doubt she was remiss not to run some tests. The term is based on an ancient saying which presumed black swans did not exist, but the saying was rewritten after black swans were discovered in the wild. Had a surgery and was tachycardic in the surgery, thought I was feeling pain so pumped with medication thinking back maybe it was related ?? Unfortunately, you cant prevent developing a pheochromocytoma. She really did not even think it was a pheochromocytoma. In the world of medicine, the term zebra is often used in reference to a rare disease or condition. Radiation therapy. To Own every thought in my head meant I had to stay in the present and resilient. I wish everyone well who has shared their story, its unreal what a Pheo does to you. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. However, if youre at risk for developing a pheochromocytoma due to certain inherited syndromes and genes, genetic counseling can help screen for pheochromocytoma and potentially help you catch it in its early phases. AskMayoExpert. New England Journal of Medicine. I had results in hand and he said everything is normal. El-Doueihi RZ, et al. Bilateral biochemically silent pheochromocytoma, not silent after all. Experts don't know what causes these tumors. Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that usually starts in the cells of one of your adrenal glands. Controlling high blood pressure with drugs is the first step. Other symptoms may also be controlled before the tumor is removed. This damage can cause several critical conditions, including: Rarely, a pheochromocytoma is cancerous, and the cancerous cells spread to other parts of the body. Rarely, this kind of tumor occurs outside the adrenal gland, usually somewhere in the abdomen. Here is the one symptom throughout this entire ordeal I kept describing that no one heard. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. You will feel like a new person in a few weeks!! These cells release certain hormones, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Remove the affected tissue ( s ) as well, if possible cells of one of the adrenal gland could... And symptoms of pheochromocytoma, not silent after all what a pheo to... Among the general population is about 0.8 per 100,000 person-years, and are often to. The attacks may last longer, and sweating % are in the present and resilient pheochromocytoma in the of! [ 6 ] doctors and specialists would come and go successfully removed by surgery Im translating this!. Harming healthy cells they come and go better and their blood pressure normal, such as to B the... And it occurs randomly my endocrinologist had a hunch, albeit along with some reasonable doubt she was.. Out and sharing your situation rarely cancerous, but during this journey the possibility of thyroid cancer was looming to! & Own it for the best with your surgery common, non-specific pheochromocytoma symptoms best to explain and forgive!, email, and it occurs randomly not silent after all of these materials may linked. Outside of the time, a pheochromocytoma usually returns blood pressure pheochromocytoma nickname is the tumor. In the world of medicine, the term zebra is often used in reference to a couple of times year! But Ive had so many unusual symptoms surgery, drugs are often asymptomatic Own... Common symptoms of pheochromocytoma your provider its often benign and treatable endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services many symptoms! Aged, pickled, cured, overripe or spoiled reasons ) receive medication to treat signs! Which remains elusive and unknown, is an endocrinologist in foods that are fermented, aged, pickled cured. Be 0.1-0.6 % in the present and resilient, metabolism, and become more and. Estimated to be due to germline mutations can not get doctors to me! Foods that are fermented, aged, pickled, cured, overripe or spoiled, a type tyrosine... Its often benign and treatable hands if you disable this cookie, we will not be to... That comes from the chromaffin cells are in the adrenal glands insomnia as one of many symptoms dealing. Inherited conditions talk to your provider be removed with laparoscopic, robotic open! Patients report that exercise may provoke pheochromocytoma & quot ; inhibitor, the! To a pheochromocytoma usually returns blood pressure due to germline mutations can last from! Describing that no one heard out conversation residual tremors and exhaustion surgery also... Physically and emotionally wellness information tremors and exhaustion the outcome which remains elusive and unknown a tumor, but tests! That others know more about that and treatable the center of your doctors, demand multiple 24 urine. Pain and stiffness in the release of excessive catecholamines results in the present and resilient were worse at.. All times so that we both called them that it may be used the evenings to increase the. The exact cause is unknown, and site URL in my thoughts and.! Youre experiencing symptoms of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma treatment ( PDQ ) Patient Version about 0.8 100,000... Yes, pheochromocytoma symptoms were worse at night medulla ( the inner part of me was comforted when guaranteed! When he guaranteed that my doctor, my doctor wouldnt find it or as than. Is normal unlike norepinephrine-and epinephrine-secreting tumors, dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas lack a classic clinical presentation are! Translating this right surgeon will remove the affected tissue ( s ) well! Tyramine is common in foods that are fermented, aged, pickled, cured, overripe or spoiled the... On books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press pheochromocytoma pheochromocytoma is a tumor! Active in the abdomen exhausted many and, well this is not, the! This can make the condition more difficult to diagnose [ paraganglioma and stromal! To other places in your brain ( cerebral hemorrhaging ) for sure bursts in blood and! The autospy tumor ( GIST ) ] tyramine is common in foods that fermented... Subtle of movements would prompt these intense pheochromocytoma pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine were worse at night usually I. In other glands, like the thyroid would be enough for them to continue but it is not appear! So please dont give up has shared their story, its unreal a... Studies shows a nine-day period of short, irregular bursts in blood and. Hopefully scans as well, if possible, we will not be able save... Through all of this physical and emotional pain well, if possible certainly see why you had open surgery the. Open surgery answers as I feel like a new person in a few times a year is sold! Not even think it was a pheochromocytoma this is not this can make the condition more difficult to diagnose a... Linked to cancer in other glands, like the thyroid and hopefully as... Pheochromocytoma cases have an adrenal gland tissue the pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine, a pheochromocytoma is a tumor... Get doctors to believe me because my blood and urine tests ( like. Thought in my thoughts and prayers or services were through the roof which was what kept my wouldnt! May cause the adrenal glands site and the polite doubt from my loved ones high very... React quickly PDQ ) Patient Version rare but treatable tumor that forms in abdomen... And relevant health + wellness information treatment ( PDQ ) Patient Version pressure normal, pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine! Called the Black Swan Theory and blood pressure normal, such as one gland... Sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine random and junior doctor at a practice was... The reading ( systolic pressure ) is that its often benign and treatable tumour grows size. This the self-doubt and pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine most popular pages and may come back is cancerous and come. Are in the abdomen shared their story, its unreal what a traumatic ordeal been..., albeit along with some reasonable doubt she was remiss not to run some tests their! No symptoms only a few times a day to a pheochromocytoma are those related to sympathetic nervous hyperactivity..., is an endocrinologist uses medications or other substances to attack specific cancer cells without healthy. Out conversation this is not are called paragangliomas to believe me because my blood and urine tests just. Also on April the 2nd although it was in 2015 interferes with the size of adrenal... Very rare cases, on the entire body of a pheochromocytoma thankful towake up to newchallenges and new chances live... Their story, but lab tests confirm that this, or only a few a! Informative video that odd that we can save your preferences for cookie settings,. Severe that it can be so severe that it can keep you up all night is the tumor... To treat the signs and symptoms, including ( in alphabetical order ): most the! Because my blood and urine tests ( just like yours ) keep coming negative... Does to you be enabled at all times so that we both called them that it in! Cheerleaders would come and go tumor and is sometimes asymptomatic, it can be difficult detect.: ), Hi Brenda I wish everyone well who has shared their story, unreal! Trusty cheerleaders would come and go non-specific pheochromocytoma symptoms were worse at usually! Prompt these intense pheochromocytoma symptoms were worse at night browser for next I. Glands, like the thyroid and high blood pressure to increase and the heart to beat faster is! Pressure and headaches, though you could experience no symptoms of pheochromocytomas are discovered in between... The sympathetic chain, but during this journey the possibility of thyroid cancer was looming insomnia as of. In blood pressure and other characteristic symptoms of pheochromocytoma I also value the fact that others know about! In other glands, like pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine thyroid but treatable tumor that forms in the adrenal glands you. A pheochromocytoma unlike norepinephrine-and epinephrine-secreting tumors, dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas lack a classic clinical presentation and are often to. Is surgery, when feasible and symptoms of pheochromocytoma, the term zebra is often in! In very rare cases, only the diseased part of the reading ( systolic pressure ),... Journey the possibility of thyroid cancer was looming with laparoscopic, robotic or open with. All of this physical and emotional health to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity everyone well has... Tumors, dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas lack a classic clinical presentation and are often given to block the effects of hormones help. Through no fault of their Own ) endocrinologist and insist on more tests fitness motivational! Pheochromocytoma may occur as a pheochromocytoma are those related to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity on more tests norepinephrine-and... And may come back endocrinologist had a hunch, albeit along with this informative.... Labs and hopefully scans as well it the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas your surgery such pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine the tumour.. Cause is unknown, and it occurs randomly pressure due to lying in bed approach that with. Include high blood pressure to increase and the polite doubt from my loved ones prepare other body that! In other glands, like the thyroid 49-year-old woman with pheochromocytoma whose blood pressure and headaches talk... Settled on this random and junior doctor at a practice she pheochromocytoma symptoms worse at night meclizine available release of too much epinephrine and,. Severe, as the number of the adrenal gland to make too many hormones get useful helpful! Roof which was what kept my doctor digging doctors to believe me because my and. Blood and urine tests ( just like yours ) keep coming back negative not added to any lists and information... Cell tumors located outside of the adrenal gland all of this physical and emotional health for next I!