Yucha C, Blakeman N
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262.
Cancer Nurs. 1991 Jun;14(3):136-40.
A pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland medulla that produces excessive amounts of norepinephrine. It is difficult to diagnose and complicated to treat because of its variable symptoms and location in the body. The tumor is most likely to cause uncontrolled hypertension, nervousness, diaphoresis, and palpitations, but, at other times, may show no symptoms at all. The diagnosis is established by measuring the plasma levels of the catecholamine hormones, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Although 10% of pheochromocytomas are extra-adrenal, most appear in one adrenal gland. If a tumor can be located by radiological techniques, it can be cured by surgical removal. Since these tumors may recur, it is necessary to reevaluate the patient periodically by measuring catecholamine levels and by radiological studies. We present a case study of one patient with a malignant pheochromocytoma, outlining the diagnosis, treatment, and postadrenalectomy follow-up.
嗜铬细胞瘤是肾上腺髓质嗜铬细胞的肿瘤，可产生过量的去甲肾上腺素。由于其症状多变且在体内位置不定，所以难以诊断且治疗复杂。该肿瘤最有可能导致血压失控、紧张、出汗和心悸，但在其他时候可能根本没有症状。通过测量血浆中儿茶酚胺激素、去甲肾上腺素和肾上腺素的水平来确诊。虽然10%的嗜铬细胞瘤位于肾上腺外，但大多数出现在一侧肾上腺。如果肿瘤能够通过放射技术定位，可通过手术切除治愈。由于这些肿瘤可能复发，因此有必要通过测量儿茶酚胺水平和进行放射学检查定期对患者进行重新评估。我们展示了一例恶性嗜铬细胞瘤患者的病例研究，概述了诊断、治疗及肾上腺切除术后的随访情况。
