We have two adrenal glands, one at the top of each kidney, one of which typically develops a pheochromocytoma, a rare, typically noncancerous (benign) tumor. However, tumors can develop in both adrenal glands.
When a person has a pheochromocytoma, the tumor releases hormones that can result in symptoms of a panic attack, such as high blood pressure, sweating, and headaches. If a pheochromocytoma is left untreated, other body systems may suffer severe or life-threatening harm.
Pheochromocytomas can develop at any age, but they are typically diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50.
SYMPTOMS OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
Pheochromocytoma symptoms and signs frequently include:
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tremors
- Paleness in the face
- Shortness of breath
- Panic attack-type symptoms
Less frequent symptoms or indications could be:
- worrying or feeling doomed
- Constipation
- Weight loss
Symptomatic spells
The symptoms mentioned above may be persistent or sporadic, or they may intensify when certain circumstances or activities exist, such as:
- Physical exertion
- Anxiety or stress
- Changes in body position
- Labor and delivery
- Surgery and anesthesia
Foods high in tyramine,Foods that have been fermented, aged, pickled, cured, overripe, or spoiled often contain tyramine, a substance that affects blood pressure and can exacerbate symptoms.
- Some cheeses
- Some beers and wines
- Chocolate
- Dried or smoked meats
Certain medicationsthat could exacerbate symptoms are as follows:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine, and phenelzine (Nardil),
- The use of stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines
CAUSES OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
The origin of a pheochromocytoma, which develops in specialized cells called chromaffin cells in the center of an adrenal gland, is unknown. These cells release hormones, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which regulate a variety of bodily processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
The role of hormones
A pheochromocytoma causes more of these hormones to be released and causes them to be released when one are not in a threatening situation. These hormones cause blood pressure to rise and our heart to beat faster. They prepare other body systems that enable us to react quickly. Adrenaline and noradrenaline trigger our bodies’ fight-or-flight response to a perceived threat.
Related tumors
Chromaffin cell tumors, known as paragangliomas, may have similar effects on the body, although the majority of chromaffin cells are found in the adrenal glands, with smaller clusters also present in the heart, head, neck, bladder, back wall of the abdomen, and along the spine.
RISK FACTORS
Pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is more common in people with certain uncommon inherited disorders, and the tumors linked to these disorders are more likely to be cancerous.
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2 (MEN 2)In addition to the thyroid, parathyroid, lips, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract, this disorder can cause tumors in multiple locations throughout the body’s hormone-producing (endocrine) system.
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease-It can cause tumors in the kidneys, pancreas, endocrine system, and central nervous system, among other places.
- Multiple skin tumors, including pigmented skin spots and tumors of the optic nerve, are caused by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
- Pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas can develop as a result of inherited disorders known as hereditary paraganglioma syndromes.
COMPLICATION OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
Multiple organs, especially those in the cardiovascular system, brain, and kidneys, can be harmed by high blood pressure, and this harmed tissue can result in a number of serious conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- issues involving the eye’s nerves
Cancerous tumors
Cancerous cells from a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma most frequently travel to the lymph system, bones, liver, or lungs. Cancerous cells from a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma are rare (malignant) and spread to other parts of the body.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT OFPHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
Acetic acid, Adrenalinum, Augusta Vera, Antim crude, Coffee Cruda, Flouroic acid, Kalibachrome, Morphinum, Opium, Pulsatilla, Sulphuric acid, Tabaccum, and Valerian are some common homeopathic medicines based on symptoms.
Comments are closed.