Where else can pheochromocytoma be found?
A pheochromocytoma (fee-o-kroe-moe-sy-TOE-muh) is a rare, usually noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops in an adrenal gland. You have two adrenal glands —one located at the top of each kidney. Usually, a pheochromocytoma develops in only one adrenal gland. But tumors can develop in both.
What part of the adrenal gland does pheochromocytoma affect?
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor found in the adrenal medulla (the inner part of the adrenal gland). The adrenal medulla makes the hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). If a tumor forms in this area, it can cause too much of these hormones to be made.
What is an extra-adrenal paraganglioma?
Paragangliomas, also known as extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, are neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and from neuroendocrine cells of the extra-adrenal autonomic paraganglia, with the majority of the tumours being benign in nature [1].
Where is the adrenal gland situated?
Adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
Can pheochromocytoma occur in other than the adrenal gland?
When pheochromocytomas are located outside the adrenal glands, they are called paragangliomas. (See Paraganglioma) Outside the adrenal glands, these tumors can be found anywhere along the sympathetic nervous chain.
Where are the adrenal glands located?
kidneys
Adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
Where are Paragangliomas located?
Paragangliomas are usually found in the head, neck, or torso. However, a type of paraganglioma known as pheochromocytoma develops in the adrenal glands . Adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and produce hormones in response to stress. Most people with paraganglioma develop only one tumor in their lifetime.
Is pheochromocytoma always malignant?
Most pheochromocytomas are benign, which means they are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body. Only about 10% of pheochromocytomas spread to other parts of the body.
Where do extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas arise?
Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas may arise in any portion of the paraganglion system, although they most commonly occur below the diaphragm. The most common site of occurrence of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma is the superior para-aortic region between the diaphragm and lower renal poles. Although th …
Where do extra adrenal tumors metastasize?
Extra-adrenal tumors are more likely to be malignant and metastasize 4. They can be found along the sympathetic chain as well as in the urinary bladder and organ of Zuckerkandl . Thoracic paragangliomas are rare and only account for 1-2% of all cases of pheochromocytoma.
Does MIBG detect pheochromocytoma outside the adrenal gland?
I-123 MIBG uptake in an adrenal nodule is strong supporting evidence for a pheochromocytoma. Overall sensitivity is approximately 80% 6. However, as many neuroendocrine tumors demonstrate uptake with MIBG, it is not as specific for pheochromocytoma outside of the adrenal.
What is the sensitivity of MRI for pheochromocytoma?
MRI is the most sensitive modality for identification of pheochromocytomas and is particularly useful in cases of extra-adrenal location. The overall sensitivity is said to be 98% 6. T1. slightly hypointense to the remainder of the adrenal.
