20
Jan
The symptoms of a pheochromocytoma may seem like other health problems. Causes of a phaeochromocytoma.
Some tests can tell your doctor if you have it.
How do you diagnose a pheochromocytoma. How do health care providers diagnose pheochromocytoma. A health care provider uses blood and urine tests that measure catecholamines pronounced kat-i-KOL-uh-meens andor their metabolites to diagnose pheochromocytoma. Metabolites are biochemical substances that form when another is broken down in the body.
Higher than normal amounts of these. What are the Tests Used to Diagnose a Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland. Measurement of plasma free metanephrines and normetanephrines in the blood.
This is a test that the doctor orders and. Measurement of urine fractionated metanephrines and catecholamines in a 24-hour urine sample. Pheochromocytomas are a type of tumor of the adrenal glands that can release high levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
As the name implies the adrenalglands are located near the renal kidney area. One adrenal gland sits on top of each of the two kidneys. Despite their small size the adrenal glands have many functions.
Diagnosing phaeochromocytomas There are different tests to diagnose phaeochromocytomas. These include blood and urine tests CT MRI and PET scans and a type of scan called an MIBG scan. Diagnosing phaeochromocytoma can be difficult as the symptoms are vague and can be caused by a number of other more common conditions.
For this reason a person with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma should consider undergoing genetic testing to assess for a risk of other complications. The symptoms of a pheochromocytoma may seem like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed. Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. You may also need tests such as.
Blood and urine tests. These tests measure hormone levels. The diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma depend on demonstrating increased catecholamine production and identifying the location of the tumor.
In most cases conventional clinical laboratory tests suffice. But first the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma hinges on the treating physician entertaining the diagnosis in the first place. Making the diagnosis is usually straightforward by performing the following tests measuring adrenaline type hormones on blood and urine samples.
Measurement of plasma free metanephrines and normetanephrines. Pheochromocytoma diagnosis and treatment. Review of the literature The biggest problem for pheochromocytoma is to suspect it in the first place.
Elevated metanephrines establish the diagnosis. With the proper preoperative preparation the risks during operation and. If a pheochromocytoma is suspected urine andor a blood test are usually recommended.
A test called 24-hour urinary catacholamines and metanephrines will be done. This test is designed to look for adrenaline and the break-down products of adrenaline. Some people with a phaeochromocytoma do not have symptoms and their condition is either never diagnosed or only discovered during tests for another problem.
Others have symptoms for many years before a phaeochromocytoma is diagnosed. Causes of a phaeochromocytoma. Many phaeochromocytomas occur for no obvious reason and do not run in the family.
Elevated plasma free metanephrines is considered the gold standard diagnosis for pheochromocytoma. Over 10 studies have confirmed that the sensitivity and specificity of this test is 97 and 93 respectively. However there is still concern for false positive results in the correct clinical scenario.
Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis Many people who have pheochromocytoma are never diagnosed because the symptoms are so much like those of other conditions. Some tests can tell your doctor if you have it. If a doctor suspects a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma they will ask for a complete medical and family history and perform a physical examination.
In addition the following tests may be used to diagnose these tumors. Surgical treatment usually returns blood pressure to normal and alleviates symptoms. Once diagnosed it is recommended to be seen by a multi-disciplinary medical team with pheo para experience.
30-40 of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are hereditary. If you are diagnosed with pheochromocytoma talk to your doctor about genetic testing.