Doctor's Notes on Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Children
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare tumors that develop in the same type of nerve tissue of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands make important hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) that help control heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and the way the body reacts to stress. Pheochromocytoma forms in the adrenal medulla, which is the center of the adrenal glands. Paraganglioma forms outside the adrenal glands near the carotid artery, along nerve pathways in the head and neck, and in other parts of the body.
Some tumors do not make extra adrenaline or noradrenaline and do not cause symptoms. Some pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in children produce extra adrenaline and noradrenaline that can cause symptoms such as
- high blood pressure,
- headache,
- heavy sweating,
- a strong/fast or irregular heartbeat,
- shakiness,
- being extremely pale,
- dizziness,
- irritability, or
- nervousness
What Is the Treatment for Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Children?
The treatment of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in children can involve different types of therapies, including:
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Chemotherapy
- 131I-MIBG therapy, treatment with high-dose radioactive iodine
- Targeted therapies, which are designed to attack specific types of cancer cells
Another option for the treatment of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in children is participation in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are used to test new therapies or new combinations of therapies.
Must Read Articles:
-
What Is the Difference Between Paraganglioma and Pheochromocytoma?
Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas are both rare neuroendocrine tumors, but each forms in a different part of the adrenal gland and has different characteristics. -
What Is the Most Common Symptom of Pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that forms from nerve tissue in and around the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. Most risk factors are inherited gene mutations. Pheochromocytoma four main symptoms include headaches, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, and severe high blood pressure (hypertension)
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.