Pheochromocytomas
Disease Information
In-Depth
What causes pheochromocytomas?
In most cases, both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The condition can be seen on its own or in combination with other disorders. The most common disorders associated with pheochromocytomas are:
- neurofibromatosis
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes
- tuberous sclerosis
- Sturge-Weber syndrome
- ataxia-telangiectasia
What are the symptoms of pheochromocytomas?
The most common symptom seen with a pheochromocytoma is high blood pressure, which is sometimes extreme. While each child may experience symptoms differently, some of the most common include:
- rapid pulse
- heart palpitations
- headache
- dizziness
- poor weight gain despite good appetite
- growth failure
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- pale skin
- clammy skin
- sweating
