Asian Journal of Research in Surgery

Pheochromocytoma is a Rare Neuroendocrine Tumor: About Two Case Reports

S. N. Jatal *

M.S. F.I.C.S., FAIS, FIGES Atal Hospital and Research Centre, Latur, India.

Sudhir Jatal

Jatal Hospital and Research Centre, Latur, Tata Hospital, Mumbai, India Fellow in Colorectal Cancer, India.

Supriya Jatal

MGM Hospital and College, Navi Mumbai, India MD(Medicine), Fellow in Clinical Nephrology, India.

Shubhangi Jatal

HBT Hospital, Jogeshwari, Mumbai, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a hormone secreting benign neuroendocrine tumor of adrenal medulla containing chromaffin cells. These cells are located in the medulla of an adrenal gland, they release certain hormones, mainly epinephrine(adrenaline) and norepinephrine(non-adrenaline). When a pheochromocytoma the tumor releases hormones that causes, high blood pressure, headache, hyperhidrosis and symptoms of a panic attacks or spells. Adrenaline and noradrenaline triggers the body fight or flight response. Usually, pheochromocytoma affects only one adrenal gland but it can affect both glands. 90% pheochromocytoma are benign tumour but 10% pheochromocytoma may be malignant. Pheochromocytoma occur more often age between 30 and 50 years of age. Approximately 25 to 35% of people have a hereditary condition such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type II syndrome, Van-Hippel- Liandu syndrome and neurofibromatosis type I. Chromaffin cell tumor located outside of the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas, which causes same effects on the body as a pheochromocytoma. Surgical resection is the main treatment for pheochromocytoma. We are reporting two rare cases of pheochromocytoma in a 30 years female and 60 years male, having symptoms of high blood pressure, headache and hyperhidrosis. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by CT abdomen, 24-hour urine test and blood catecholamine test. Female patient was treated by open adrenalectomy and Male patient was performed laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Keywords: Pheochromocytoma, adrenal medulla, chromaffin cell, paraganglioma, neuroendocrine tumor

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