5th April 2024

Pathophysiology

A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the chromaffin cells within the adrenal medulla that produces excessive secretions of catecholamines e.g., adrenaline and noradrenaline. The 10% rule is used to describe the aetiology: 10% are malignant, 10% are extra-adrenal, 10% are bilateral and 10% are familial. From this, we can understand that most phaeochromocytomas are benign, sporadic tumours within one adrenal gland.

Clinical manifestations

The symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma occur due to the excess catecholamine levels and include headaches, diaphoresis, palpitations and hypertension. These symptoms generally occur in distinct episodes coinciding with the pulsatile release of catecholamines from the tumour.