dictionary help| pheochromocytoma | medical dictionary |
<tumour>
<oncology> A tumour of the adrenal gland which produces catecholamines (noradrenaline and adrenaline). Although the tumour is usually benign it produces hypertension, pounding headaches, tachycardia, palpitations, apprehension, facial flushing, nausea and vomiting.
A diagnosis can be made using a urine test which measures the quantity of adrenaline byproducts. Adrenal tumours may be detected by CT, MRI or a nuclear scan of the adrenal glands.
(15 Oct 1997)
pheochromoblast, pheochromoblastoma, pheochromocyte < Prev | Next > pheomelanin, pheomelanogenesis, pheomelanosome
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