What is Pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor originating in the adrenal glands, specifically, in a section called the medulla of the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands are 2 small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones that regulate stress responses, organ functions (eg, heart rate and blood pressure), and many metabolic processes.

Some of these hormones are called catecholamines and include metanephrine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), epinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine. In patients with pheochromocytomas, there is a release of excessive amounts of these hormones.

Most Pheochromocytomas are benign (noncancerous), and 90% of cases can be successfully treated by surgery.

The adrenal glands are 2 small glands that sit on top of the kidneys (circles in blue) and produce hormones that regulate stress responses, organ functions and many metabolic processes with the tumor is circled in green.