How are pheochromocytomas diagnosed?

Blood and urine analysis can confirm a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma by detecting elevated levels of catecholamines or its metabolites in the urine and blood (plasma). Metabolites are the byproducts of catecholamines that are produced when the body breaks down (metabolizes) catecholamines.

How do you test for paraganglioma?

Tests used to diagnosed paraganglioma include: Blood and urine tests. Your doctor may recommend blood tests and urine tests to measure the levels of hormones in your body. These tests may detect extra hormones produced by paraganglioma cells or a tumor marker called chromogranin A.

How is a paraganglioma different from a pheochromocytoma?

A pheochromocytoma is called a primary adrenal gland tumor because it starts inside an adrenal gland. Read about other types of primary adrenal gland tumors. A paraganglioma is a rare NET that develops from the same type of cells that pheochromocytomas do.

How can you tell if a pheochromocytoma is benign or malignant?

It is difficult to tell if pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are benign or malignant under a microscope, even after surgically removing the tumor. The only sure way to know if a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is malignant is if it has metastasized or if it comes back, called a recurrence.

Where is the pheochromocytoma located in the body?

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) — a type of paraganglioma that is confined to the adrenal gland, a small hormone-producing organ located on top of each kidney There are two subtypes of paragangliomas (PGLs):

Do you need genetic testing for pheochromocytoma?

Any individual with pheochromocytoma (without evidence of other conditions related to hereditary PGL/PCC) or paraganglioma, regardless of family history or age, should be offered genetic testing to identify a possible underlying gene mutation.