Question 1

What is pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that causes dangerously high blood pressure and severe symptoms. It is caused by excessive production of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) from tumor cells in the adrenal medulla. The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures these elevated stress hormones in the blood.

Question 2

What causes pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma is caused by abnormal tumor growth in the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, which produces excessive amounts of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine). While most cases occur sporadically without a clear cause, about 30-40% are associated with genetic mutations including Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). These tumors continuously or episodically release stress hormones into the bloodstream, causing sudden and severe symptoms including dangerous blood pressure spikes that can lead to stroke or heart attack if untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test is the most important test for pheochromocytoma because it directly measures the three key stress hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that these tumors overproduce. This blood test captures elevated hormone levels in real-time, providing the biochemical evidence needed to confirm the diagnosis. The fractionated measurement is particularly valuable because it shows which specific catecholamines are elevated, helping your doctor understand the tumor's activity pattern. Many doctors also recommend testing plasma or urine metanephrines (breakdown products of catecholamines) as a complementary test, but the direct measurement of catecholamines remains the gold standard for initial diagnosis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience sudden episodes of severe headaches, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and dangerously high blood pressure that comes and goes unpredictably. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of pheochromocytoma or genetic conditions like MEN2, VHL, or NF1, or if you have persistent anxiety or panic-like symptoms that do not respond to typical treatments. You should also consider testing if imaging studies have identified an adrenal mass or if you experience severe blood pressure spikes during surgery or medical procedures, as these can be life-threatening situations that require immediate diagnosis.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

The classic symptoms of pheochromocytoma include sudden episodes of severe headaches, profuse sweating, rapid or pounding heartbeat, and extreme anxiety or feelings of impending doom. You might experience dangerously high blood pressure that spikes suddenly and unpredictably, often reaching 180/120 mmHg or higher during attacks. Other common symptoms include tremors, pale or flushed skin, chest or abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss despite normal appetite, and feeling shaky or weak. These episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours and may be triggered by physical activity, stress, certain foods, or pressure on the abdomen, though they can also occur spontaneously during rest or sleep.

Question 6

Who is at risk for pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

People with genetic conditions including Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), Von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1, and hereditary paraganglioma syndrome have significantly higher risk for developing pheochromocytoma. The condition most commonly affects adults between ages 30 and 50, though it can occur at any age including childhood, particularly in those with genetic predispositions. Having a family history of pheochromocytoma or related endocrine tumors substantially increases your risk. While most cases occur randomly without genetic causes, if you have unexplained severe hypertension at a young age or blood pressure that does not respond to standard medications, your doctor should consider screening for this rare tumor.

Question 7

What happens if pheochromocytoma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated pheochromocytoma can lead to life-threatening complications including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities caused by chronic catecholamine excess and severe blood pressure fluctuations. The persistent hypertension damages blood vessels throughout your body, increasing risk for kidney failure, vision problems from retinal damage, and aortic dissection (a tear in the main artery). During a hypertensive crisis, blood pressure can spike to extreme levels causing seizures, loss of consciousness, or sudden death. Pregnant women with undiagnosed pheochromocytoma face particularly high risks during labor and delivery, which can trigger catastrophic blood pressure elevations. Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically reduce these risks and can be life-saving.

Question 8

Can pheochromocytoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pheochromocytoma can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure catecholamine hormones and their metabolites. The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test directly measures epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in your blood, which are typically elevated 3 to 10 times normal levels when the tumor is active. Blood tests for plasma metanephrines (breakdown products of catecholamines) are also highly sensitive and may detect the condition even between episodes. While blood tests provide the biochemical diagnosis, your doctor will typically follow up with imaging studies like CT or MRI scans to locate the tumor within the adrenal glands. For the most accurate results, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain medications, foods, and stress before testing, as these can affect catecholamine levels.

Question 9

How is pheochromocytoma treated?

Accepted Answer

The primary treatment for pheochromocytoma is surgical removal of the tumor, which cures the condition in most cases when the tumor is benign and completely removed. Before surgery, your doctor will prescribe medications called alpha-blockers (like phenoxybenzamine or doxazosin) to control blood pressure and prevent dangerous hypertensive crises during the operation. Beta-blockers may be added after alpha-blockade is established to control heart rate. The surgery is typically performed laparoscopically through small incisions, though larger tumors may require open surgery. After successful tumor removal, most patients experience complete resolution of symptoms and blood pressure returns to normal within weeks, though long-term follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence, especially if the tumor was malignant or if you have a genetic predisposition.

Question 10

How can I prevent pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma cannot be prevented since most cases occur sporadically without identifiable causes, but early detection through genetic screening can help identify at-risk individuals before symptoms develop. If you have a family history of pheochromocytoma or known genetic mutations like MEN2, VHL, or NF1, regular screening with blood or urine tests and periodic imaging can detect tumors early when they are smaller and easier to treat. Genetic counseling and testing for family members of affected individuals can identify carriers of high-risk mutations who benefit from surveillance starting in childhood or young adulthood. While you cannot prevent tumor formation, early detection and treatment prevent the serious complications of uncontrolled catecholamine excess and can be life-saving.

Question 11

What can I do at home for pheochromocytoma symptoms?

Accepted Answer

While home management cannot cure pheochromocytoma, you can reduce symptom triggers by avoiding known precipitating factors including certain foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods), medications (decongestants, stimulants), and activities that increase abdominal pressure. Practice stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and gentle yoga to minimize catecholamine surges, though these will not control symptoms from an active tumor. Keep a detailed symptom diary tracking when episodes occur, their duration, and potential triggers to help your doctor understand your pattern and adjust treatment. If you experience severe symptoms like extreme headache, chest pain, or blood pressure above 180/120, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than trying to manage at home. Once diagnosed, strictly follow your prescribed medication regimen and surgical treatment plan, as this is the only way to resolve the underlying condition.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Pheochromocytoma Blood Test

What is Pheochromocytoma?

What causes pheochromocytoma?

What is the best test for pheochromocytoma?

When should I get tested for pheochromocytoma?

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