27th May 2025

Background

Phaeochromocytoma is a catecholamine secreting tumour derived from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla (85%) or extra-adrenal paragangliomas. The classic triad of symptoms is palpitations, diaphoresis, and headaches, which can occur in episodes lasting seconds to hours, and worsening with tumour progression. It also can result in life-threatening, intractable hypertension and arrhythmia. Most cases are benign (at least 75%), and paraganglioma are more likely to metastasise compared to phaeochromocytoma.