Pheochromocytoma is a tumor originating from the adrenal medulla with neuroendocrine function, the etiology of which is not yet clear.
The essence of pheochromocytoma is that tumor cells secrete large amounts of catecholamines, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine port and dopamine. The release of the latter acts on adrenergic receptors, thus causing a clinical syndrome characterized mainly by hypertension.
The exact etiology of pheochromocytoma is not fully understood. There are 17 known causative genes associated with it, and in about 50% of patients with pheochromocytoma, there are gene mutations triggered by various factors.
If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage and treated with surgical resection, hypertension can be significantly improved and a cure can be achieved. Patients with a long history of the disease, hypertension persists after surgical removal of the tumor and requires lifelong antihypertensive medication; a few patients may die during surgery due to hypertensive crisis.
Patients are advised to go to regular hospitals for timely consultation and treatment to avoid deterioration of the condition.