Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology

	Pheochromocytoma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pheochromocytoma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology
CDC on Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology
Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pheochromocytoma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pheochromocytoma pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Pathophysiology

Traditionally it is known as the "10% tumor":

bilateral disease is present in approximately 10% of patients
approximately 10% of tumours are malignant
approximately 10% are located in chromaffin tissue outside of the adrenal gland
Approximately 10% arise in childhood
Approximately 10% are familial
Approximately 10% recur after being resected
Approximately 10% patients do not have hypertension (Campbell's Urology)These tumors can form a pattern with other endocrine gland cancers which is labeled multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). Pheochromocytoma may occur in patients with MEN 2 and MEN 3. VHL (Von Hippel Lindau) patients may also develop these tumors.

Tumor Location

In adults, 90% tumors are located unilaterally and are solitary, and 10% are located outside the adrenal gland. In children 50% are adrenal, while 25% are bilateral and 25% are extraadrenal. The common extradrenal locations are the abdomen, thorax and urinary bladder.