---
title: "Pheochromocytoma (Adrenal Medulla Tumor)"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/p/pheochromocytoma-(adrenal-medulla-tumor)/
description: "Pheochromocytoma is a tumor found in the adrenal medulla (the inner part of the adrenal gland). The adrenal medulla makes the hormones adrenaline..."
---

# Pheochromocytoma (Adrenal Medulla Tumor)

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor found in the adrenal medulla (the inner part of the adrenal gland). The adrenal medulla makes the hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). If a tumor forms in this area, it can cause too much of these hormones to be made. This can be very dangerous, as it causes very high blood pressure. Pheochromocytoma in the adrenal gland is rarely cancerous, but it may be linked to cancer in other glands, like the thyroid.

Archived from the 2024 edition

## Overview

It is important to diagnose this problem early. Finding and treating it could cure unsafe blood pressure. If it is not treated, it can lead to a heart attack, stroke, and cause the arteries to work poorly.

The adrenal glands are found above each kidney. They are triangle-shaped, and measure about half an inch in height and 3 inches in length. Each adrenal gland has 2 layers.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- What Happens Under Normal Conditions?
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- After Treatment
- Explore Further

## Other entries in Kidney Cancer and Stones

- [Adrenal Gland Cancers](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/adrenal-gland-cancers/)
- [Adrenal Mass](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/adrenal-mass/)
- [Antegrade Pyelography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/antegrade-pyelography/)
- [Conn's Syndrome](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/conns-syndrome/)
- [Cushing's Syndrome](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cushings-syndrome/)
- [Ectopic Kidney](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/ectopic-kidney/)
- [Ectopic Ureter](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/ectopic-ureter/)
- [Extrinsic Obstruction of the Ureter](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/extrinsic-obstruction-of-the-ureter/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/p/pheochromocytoma-(adrenal-medulla-tumor)/**
- Edition**2024 edition**
- Group**Kidney Cancer and Stones**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

### Related topics

- [About OAB](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/its-time-to-talk-about-oab/about-oab/)
- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

[Back to Urology A-Z: P](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/p/)

[Back to the full A-Z](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/)