Pheochromocytoma: usually benign, Pheochromocytoma is a well-encapsulated, lobular, vascular tumor that can weigh less than 70 g, to 3600 g. It is made up of chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic paraganglia. The most apparent symptom, reflecting the increased secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine, is hypertension, which may be persistent or intermittent. Attacks may occur every few months or several times daily, and typically last less than five minutes. Physical and emotional stresses can initiate an attack.

Clinical Presentation: during severe attacks, patients may experience headache, sweating, apprehension, palpation, tremor, pallor or flushing of the face, nausea and vomiting, pain in the chest and abdomen, and paresthesias of the extremities, weight loss, and orthostatic hypotension.

Support Network Information:

Pheochromocytoma Support and Awareness Group

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The National Dysautonomia Research Foundation (NDRF) has established this site to help inform afflicted patients, physicians and the general public on the various forms of Dysautonomia. It is our desire to give timely, as well as, accurate information, however NDRF will not be responsible for the misinterpretation of the information provided.  Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to .

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Last modified: Monday January 28, 2008.