How Do You Know If You Have Pheochromocytoma (Adrenal Tumor)?
The body’ s electrolytes (sodium and potassium) levels are maintained by the kidneys and also by two small glands that sit right on top of each kidney. These glands are called adrenal glands. An uncommon tumor, called pheochromocytoma (present in 0.2% of people who have high blood pressure), may sometimes be present in one of the adrenal glands. This can throw a diagnostic puzzle at the physician. You may end up getting treated for a variety of disorders, such as panic attacks, hypertension, heart arrhythmia, migraine headaches and more. This little devil has can mimic almost anything. In my clinical practice I have come across one such case. The mechanism behind the signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma is the secretion of various chemical and hormonal substances released by the tumor cells such as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Most of these hormones are excitatory and are normally secreted by the body especially on the occasions of excitement, causing an incre
