What is Phaeochromocytoma?

a rare catecholamine secreting tumour

What are the main clinical features of Phaeochromocytoma?

Features are typically episodic

• hypertension (around 90% of cases, may be sustained)
• headaches
• palpitations
• sweating
• anxiety

How is Phaeochromocytoma diagnosed?

24 hr urinary collection of metanephrines

What is the management of Phaeochromocytoma?

Surgery is the definitive management

Can used alpha-blockers (first line) or beta-blockers (second line) while awaiting surgical management

What are the main associations of Phaeochromocytoma?

10% are familial and may be associated with MEN type II, neurofibromatosis and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

How many Phaeochromocytoma's are malignant?

10%