Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where structural or functional abnormalities lead to insufficient synthesis of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women than in men; in the United States, incidence is rising significantly in people ages 40 to 50. Hypothyroidism results from inadequate production of thyroid hormone, usually because of dysfunction of the thyroid gland due to surgery (thyroidectomy), radiation therapy, inflammation, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) or, rarely, conditions such as amyloidosis and sarcoidosis. In rare cases, hypothyroidism occurs in infants and children. Infants will grow and develop normally if hypothyroidism is treated within the first month of life. Hypothyroidism seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. Severe hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema, characterized by dry, thickened skin and coarse facial features.
Hypothyroidism is the disease state in humans and domestic animals caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland .It helps to keep the body's functions (the metabolism) working at the correct pace. Many cells and tissues in the body need thyroxine to keep them going correctly. With proper treatment, a teen will catch up in weight and height to healthy teens of the same age.Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones). The hypothalamus is a brain structure that normally signals the pituitary gland to make thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which causes the thyroid to make thyroid hormones. Some medical problems can affect either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, and interrupt the chain of signals from the brain to the thyroid. The disease may also be caused by a lack of thyroid gland or pituitary hormone. Treatment comes in the form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis a disease in which the body's natural defense (immune) system attacks the thyroid gland occasionally will disappear on its own. The good news is that accurate thyroid function tests are available to diagnose hypothyroidism, and treatment of hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple and effective once the proper dosage is established.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. Historically, iodine deficiency was the most common cause of hypothyroidism world-wide. Secondary hypothyroidism occurs if the pituitary gland is damaged by a tumor, radiation, or surgery so that it is no longer able to instruct the thyroid to make enough hormone Hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism - from the rate at which your heart beats to how quickly you burn calories. Hypothyroidism is also known as an underactive thyroid. Thyroid hormones regulate the body's energy. When levels of thyroid hormones are abnormally low, the body burns energy more slowly, and vital functions, such as heartbeat and temperature regulation, slow down. It occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroxine. The risk of developing hypothyroidism tends to increase with age; older women have the highest risk.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The common Causes of Hypothyroidism :

• The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a disease of the thyroid gland where the body's immune system attacks the gland.
• The body recognizes the thyroid antigens as foreign, and a chronic immune reaction ensues, resulting in lymphocytic infiltration of the gland and progressive destruction of functional thyroid tissue.
• Failure of the pituitary gland to secrete a hormone to stimulate the thyroid gland ( secondary hypothyroidism ) is a less common cause of hypothyroidism.
• Drugs such as amiodarone, interferon alpha, thalidomide, and stavudine have also been associated with primary hypothyroidism.
• External beam radiation, which is used to treat some cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma this radiation treatment can destroy the thyroid gland.
• Other types of 'thyroiditis' (thyroid inflammation) caused by infection or other rare conditions.
• One such medication is lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders. If you're taking medication, ask your doctor about its effect on your thyroid gland.
• Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can affect your thyroid gland and may lead to hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Some common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism :

• Weakness
• Weight gain
• Slow body movements.
• Fatigue
• Inability to tolerate cold.
• Constipation
• Weight gain (unintentional)
• Cold skin.
• Sparse, coarse
• Lack of energy
• Muscle cramps

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Here is the list of the methods for treating Hypothyroidism :

• Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, cardiac ventricular dysfunction, spontaneous abortion, low birthweight, impaired cognitive development, and fetal mortality even mild disease may be associated with adverse affects for offspring.
• Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low.
• Sometimes hypothyroidism is a temporary condition in older children. (This is not so for children who are born with an underactive thyroid.)
• If a serious illness or infection triggered your hypothyroidism, your thyroid function most likely will return to normal when you recover.
• It is treated with intravenous thyroid hormones replacement and steroid therapy
• Surgery is indicated for large goiters that compromise tracheoesophageal function; surgery is rarely needed in patients with hypothyroidism and is more common in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
• After replacement therapy has begun, report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity ( hyperthyroidism ) such as restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating.
• If you have mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism , you may not need treatment but should be watched for signs of worsening hypothyroidism current research does not provide clear evidence to support treatment, and many health professionals disagree about whether mild hypothyroidism should be treated.

Graves Disease

Grave's disease is a disease of unknown cause, although fairly common. It is suspected to have a genetic origin. In this case the thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged, soft, non-tender. All the tissues within are also enlarged. Although it may develop at any age and in either men or women, Graves' disease is more common in women and usually begins after age 20. The most common symptoms of GD are nervousness and anxiety, although not all patients complain of being nervous. In fact, in elderly patients, the primary symptoms are apathy and depression, leading to the term "apathetic hyperthyroidism." There's no way to stop your immune system from attacking the thyroid gland, but treatments can decrease the production of thyroxine.
Graves' disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. This over-activity is also sometimes called "toxic diffuse goiter." The thyroid gland helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Once the disorder has been correctly diagnosed, it is quite easy to treat. Graves - Basedow disease , also known simply as Graves' disease , is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions, including goitre and hyperthyroidism (over-activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protuberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). When you have too much thyroid hormone in your system, your body's metabolism rate can increase by 60 percent to 100 percent because thyroxine regulates your cells' metabolism. The goal in treating GD is to reduce thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Graves' Disease also tends to affect women between the ages of 20 and 40, although it occurs in infants, children, and the elderly .This can be accomplished with both conventional and alternative medicine, although patients with moderate to severe hyperthyroidism may initially require conventional treatment until their symptoms are in control.
First described by Sir Robert Graves in the early 19th century, Graves' disease is one of the most common of all thyroid problems. When the thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs. This abnormal immune response can also affect the tissue behind your eyes as well as your skin, usually on your lower legs and feet. This disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is known to be related to an antibody mediated type of auto-immunity, but the trigger for the reaction is unknown. In some cases, Graves' disease goes into remission or disappears completely after several months or years. Left untreated, however, it can lead to serious complications even death. The anti–sodium-iodide symporter, antithyroglobulin, and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies appear to have little role in the etiology of hyperthyroidism in Graves disease Graves' disease is rarely life-threatening.

Causes of Graves Disease

The common Causes of Graves Disease :

• The production of thyroid hormone is increased, causing a wide range of symptoms from anxiety and restlessness to insomnia and weight loss.
• Graves disease is caused by an abnormal immune system response that attacks the thyroid gland, and causes too much production of thyroid hormones.
• Eye muscles weakened by long periods of inflammation can lose their ability to control movement, resulting in double vision.
• Environmental factors associated with susceptibility are largely unproven other factors include infection, iodide intake, stress, steroids, and toxins. Smoking has been implicated in the worsening of Graves ophthalmopathy.
• In addition, the eyeballs may begin to stick out ( exophthalmos ), causing eye irritation and tearing.
• Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis) - Although the primary cause of hypothyroidism, the disease process occasionally presents initially with thyrotoxicosis

Symptoms of Graves Disease

Some common Symptoms of Graves Disease :

• Weight loss
• Abnormal breast enlargement (men)
• Increased appetite
• Muscle wasting
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Light menstrual periods
• Increased eye tearing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Infrequent or absent menstrual periods

Treatment of Graves Disease

Here is the list of the methods for treating Graves Disease :

• These medications, which include propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor) and nadolol (Corgard), often relieve hyperthyroid signs and symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, nervousness and tremors these medications aren't a cure for Graves' because your body will still produce too much thyroxine, but beta blockers block some of the action of the thyroid hormone.
• If you can't tolerate an anti-thyroid drug and don't want to have radioactive iodine therapy, surgery to remove your thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is an option after the surgery, you'll likely need thyroxine treatment to supply your body with normal amounts of thyroid hormones.
• Sometimes use of prednisone (a steroid medication, which suppresses the immune system) is required to reduce eye irritation and swelling.
• Hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
• Both radiation and surgery result in the need for lifelong use of replacement thyroid hormones, because these treatments destroy or remove the gland.
• Atrial fibrillation due to thyroid storm may be refractory to rate control, and conversion to sinus rhythm may be impossible until after antithyroid therapy has been initiated.
• Patients with severe thyrotoxicosis must be placed on a cardiac monitor the patient should be intubated if profoundly altered supplemental oxygen may be required. Aggressive fluid resuscitation may be indicated.

Cushings Disease

Cushing's syndrome or hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive levels of the endogenous corticosteroid hormone cortisol . Sometimes called "hypercortisolism," it is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every million people are affected each year. It was discovered by American physician, surgeon and endocrinologist Harvey Cushing (1869-1939) and reported by him in 1932. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Exposure to too much cortisol can occur from long-term use of synthetic glucocorticoid hormones to treat inflammatory illnesses. Another adrenal cortex hormone, aldosterone, regulates salt and water levels which affects blood volume and blood pressure. Hyperadrenocorticism occurs for two reasons a tumor of the adrenal gland that produces adrenal hormones or stimulation of the normal adrenal glands from the hormones that control it. The primary reason for this to occur is a pituitary gland tumor that produces excessive ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include upper body obesity, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood pressure, backache, elevated blood sugar, easy bruising, and bluish-red stretch marks on the skin. In women, there may be increased growth of facial and body hair, and menstrual periods may become irregular or stop completely.
Animal bodies are a marvel of interactions between organs and systems kept in balance by the production of enzymes that aid in metabolic processes and hormones that regulate body functions. When the balance is disturbed by illness, injury, or advancing age, the body goes awry: Cortisol affects the function of many organs in the body, so the signs of Cushing's disease may be varied. Hair loss caused by Cushing's disease occurs primarily on the body, sparing the head and legs. The skin is not usually itchy as it is with other skin diseases. People who have been diagnosed with depression, alcoholism, malnutrition and panic attacks tend to have higher cortisol levels as well. These types of Cushing's may be called Pseudo-Cushing's. With inflammation, the enzymes are excreted into the bloodstream and abdominal cavity instead of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a severe illness associated with vomiting, abdominal pain, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity), and loss of protein into the abdominal cavity. When too much cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands, or an excess is taken in treating other diseases, significant changes occur in all of the tissues and organs of the body. All of these effects together are called Cushing's Syndrome.

Causes of Cushings Disease

The common Cause of Cushings Disease :

• A benign or malignant growth within the adrenal gland itself, which produces cortisol;
• Production within another part of the body (ectopic production) of a hormone that directly or indirectly stimulates the adrenal gland to make cortisol.
• Adrenal tumors
• An abnormal growth of the pituitary gland associated with an excessive production of one of its hormones, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal gland .
• Familial Cushing's syndrome.
• Symptoms of glucocorticoid excess generally occur with the administration of oral steroids; however, occasionally injections of steroids into joints and the use of steroid inhalers can cause Cushing syndrome.
• Patients who have undergone organ transplants also are at risk for developing Cushing syndrome due to exogenous steroids required as part of graft antirejection medication regimens.
• Long-term use of medication resembling cortisol (corticosteroids).

Symptoms of Cushings Disease

Some common Symptoms of Cushings Disease :

• Absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).
• You often get skin infections or other infections, and they take longer to heal. 
• High blood pressure ( hypertension ).
• Fatigue.
• Pink or purple stretch marks may form on your skin.
• Women usually have irregular menstrual periods and may grow thick or more visible body hair.
• Fever
• Sensation of abdominal "fullness".
• Seizures.
• Vomiting.

Treatmnent of Cushings Disease

• The best treatment for ectopic Cushing's syndrome is surgical removal of the tumor.
• The treatment for exogenous Cushing syndrome is gradual withdrawal of glucocorticoid.
• Gradual withdrawal of cortisone-type drugs (under close medical supervision)
• Bilateral adrenalectomy is an option if transsphenoidal surgery, pituitary irradiation, and medical therapy fail or if rapid normalization of cortisol levels is required. The patient then requires lifelong glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid therapy.
• Patients receiving these medications may require glucocorticoid replacement to avoid adrenal insufficiency. Patients should be counseled on the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when starting these drugs.
• Drugs that inhibit cortisol synthesis - metyrapone, ketoconazole, aminoglutethimide. Indicated when case is not amenable to surgery.
• External beam irraidation of the pituitary - slow response and restricted when surgery unsuccessful, contraindicated or not acceptable to patient.

Thyrotoxicosis

Thyrotoxicosis condition demonstrates hyperactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in excessive supply of thyroxine hormone. Another condition, called subclinical hyperthyroidism, may be diagnosed when you have low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) but normal levels of thyroid hormone. Hot nodules will take up more radioiodine than surrounding tissue, and cold nodules will take up less Hot nodules, which can cause hyperthyroidism, are almost always benign. Most cold nodules are also benign but 5-15 percent of cold nodules may be malignant.
Thyrotoxicosis can occur when people take too much thyroid replacement hormone or ingest food or medicines contaminated or adulterated with thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' Disease, in which the immune system, for reasons that are not clearly understood, releases antibodies that attack or “bind” to thyroid cells. This is known as exogenous thyrotoxicosis and it is not a thyroid disorder. Differentiating between thyrotoxicosis caused by hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis not caused by hyperthyroidism is important because disease management and therapy differ for each form. The nodules often produce excess thyroid hormone after the patient is exposed to excess iodine in iodine contrast dyes and imaging tests. However, in patients with silent thyroiditis a palpable firm painless thyroid gland is present. Obviously, therapy for a toxic multinodular goiter in an elderly woman would differ from that for a young woman with the usually transient thyrotoxicosis associated with postpartum thyroiditis.
Thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism is the clinical syndrome caused by an excess of circulating free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine, or both. The patients complained of sleeplessness, nervousness, headache, fatique, excessive sweating and weight loss. Silent thyroiditis however, is not so easily distinguished from thyrotoxicosis factitia. Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by high thyroid hormone levels. Toxic multinodular goiter usually develops in older people who may have had hypothyroidism. Deliberate intake of high doses of thyroid hormone leads to TSH suppression and shrinkage of the thyroid, so that no thyroid tissue is palpated. In these cases the thyroid gland itself is not overactive, but there is still too much thyroid hormone in the blood. Untreated, thyrotoxicosis can lead to serious medical complications such as heart rhythm disturbances and Osteoporosis, caused from the long-term effects of hormone overproduction.

Causes of Thyrotoxicosis

The common Causes of Thyrotoxicosis :

• This hormone normally stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine, so antibodies bound on to these receptors cause production of thyroid hormone, and because it attaches to these receptors better than TSH would, more thyroxine than usual is produced.
• Autoimmune disease; Graves disease, lymphocytic thyroiditis with hyperthyroidism (ie, silent thyroiditis), and postpartum thyrotoxicosis (PPT).
• Neoplasm, toxic nodule, and toxic multinodular goiter (autonomously functioning nodules).

Symptoms of Thyrotoxicosis

Some common Symptoms of Thyrotoxicosis :

• Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
• Fast heartbeat
• Rapid heart rate
• Fatigue
• A fine tremor
• Nausea and vomiting
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Frequent bowel movements

Treatment of Thyrotoxicosis

Here is the list of the methods for treating Thyrotoxicosis :

• Your doctor is likely to prescribe medication known as a thiourea drug (carbimazole, methimazole or propylthiouracil) that will reduce the output of hormone from the thyroid.
• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) are used to treat some of the symptoms including rapid heart rate , sweating , and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism can be controlled.
• Sometimes your doctor may prescribe another type of medication, a beta blocker, to overcome some of the worst symptoms of an over-active thyroid gland, while waiting for the specific treatment for the thyroid to take its effect.
• Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine (which destroys the thyroid and thus stops the excess production of hormones), or surgery to remove the thyroid.
• Another treatment that is sometimes used is the injection of radioactive iodine ( a longer lasting isotope than is used for scanning) which is concentrated in the thyroid gland and results in damage to and destruction of some of the cells of the thyroid.

Addison's Disease

Addison's Disease is primarily a deficiency of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. There is increased excretion of salt. In Addison's disease, your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol, which is one of the hormones in a group called the glucocorticoids. It helps maintain blood pressure and water and salt balance in the body by helping the kidney retain sodium and excrete potassium. When aldosterone production falls too low, the kidneys are not able to regulate salt and water balance, causing blood volume and blood pressure to drop. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone.Treatment for Addison's disease involves taking hormones to replace the insufficient amounts being made by your adrenal glands.
Addison's disease is a hormone deficiency (not enough hormone) caused by damage to the outer layer of the adrenal gland (the part known as the adrenal cortex). These glands are part of your endocrine system, and they produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body. The condition was first described by British physician Thomas Addison in his 1855 publication, On the Constitutional and Local Effects of Disease of the Suprarenal Capsules . Cortisol mobilizes nutrients, modifies the body's response to inflammation, stimulates the liver to raise the blood sugar, and also helps to control the amount of water in the body. Aldosterone regulates salt and water levels which affects blood volume and blood pressure. Cortisol production is regulated by another hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), made in the pituitary gland which is located just below the brain. Because cortisol is so vital to health, the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenals is precisely balanced. Like many other hormones, cortisol is regulated by the brain's hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, a bean-sized organ at the base of the brain. First, the hypothalamus sends "releasing hormones" to the pituitary gland.
Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The inner part of the adrenal ( called the medulla ) produces epinephrine ( also called adrenaline ) which is produced at times of stress and helps the body respond to "fight or flight" situations by raising the pulse rate, adjusting blood flow, and raising blood sugar.Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency , or hypocortisolism ) is a rare endocrine disorder which results in the body not producing sufficient amounts of certain adrenal hormones Sometimes, Addison's disease also involves insufficient production of aldosterone, one of the mineralocorticoid hormones. It belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids, which affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. In cases in which the electrolyte levels are normal this is the only test for the problem and it will be missed unless it is looked for specifically.

Causes of Addison's Disease

The common Causes of Addison's Disease :

• The immune system mistakenly attacking the gland (autoimmune disease)
• Chronic infections, such as fungal infections.
• Infections such as tuberculosis , HIV, or fungal infections.
• Hemorrhage, blood loss.
• Tumors.
• Invasion of the adrenal glands by cancer cells from another part of the body.
• Use of blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants) .
• The symptoms of Addison's disease are caused by the failure of the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys , to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone .

Symptoms of Addison's Disease

Some common Symptoms of Addison's Disease :

• Weight loss and loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.
• Sweating.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Low blood pressure, even fainting.
• Muscle weakness.
• Salt craving.
• Nausea and vomiting .
• Loss of appetite.
• Chronic diarrhea.
• Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation).

Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a tumour of the adrenal gland. The tumour is generally a benign one. These tumours produce excess of hormones like adrenaline. They are very vascular. A patient may also have a special nuclear medicine scan. A CT scan, an x-ray that uses a computer to make a picture of the inside of a part of the body or an MRI scan, which uses magnetic waves to make a picture of the abdomen, may also be done. Most of the time, a pheochromocytoma is noncancerous (benign), and treatment can return blood pressure to normal. A pheochromocytoma can develop at any age, but most commonly occurs in people between ages 40 and 60. Basically, these cells secrete too much epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, and that causes the clinical signs and symptoms we will discuss below. Pheochromocytomas may also develop in people who have von Hippel-Lindau disease and in those who have neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease).
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes excess release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Because of excessive catecholamine secretion, pheochromocytomas may precipitate life-threatening hypertension or cardiac arrhythmias. You have two adrenal glands, one just above each of your kidneys. Your adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body. Pheochromocytomas often cause the adrenal glands to make too many hormones called catecholamines. The extra catecholamines cause high blood pressure (hypertension), which can cause headaches, sweating, pounding of the heart, pain in the chest, and a feeling of anxiety. Some people who develop pheochromocytomas have a rare inherited condition, called multiple endocrine neoplasia, that makes them prone to tumors in the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands (see Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes ). They are responsible in part for that feeling of an “ad-renal-ine” rush you feel when you are afraid. It is these cells that are involved in a pheochromocytoma.
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor derived from chromaffin cells. If the diagnosis of a pheochromocytoma is overlooked, the consequences could be disastrous, even fatal; however, if a pheochromocytoma is found, it is potentially curable. pheochromocytoma (fe-o-kro-mo-si-TOE-muh) is a rare tumor that develops in the core of an adrenal gland. A pheochromocytoma (also phaeochromocytoma , UK spelling) is a neuroendocrine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands originating in the chromaffin cells, which secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines , usually adrenaline and noradrenaline ( epinephrine and norepinephrine in the US). Cells in the adrenal glands make important hormones that help the body work properly. Usually pheochromocytoma affects only one adrenal gland. They are complex endocrine ( hormone secreting) glands. Depending on which area you focus on inside them, you find cells that do different things. There is an area where the cells secrete cortisol , a hormone similar to cortisone. A pheochromocytoma may be life-threatening if unrecognized or untreated.

Causes of Pheochromocytoma

The common Causes of Pheochromocytoma :

• Dopamine antagonists
• People with this rare multisystem disorder are at high risk of pheochromocytoma, kidney cancer, and brain and eye tumors.
• Others occur randomly, or are a symptom of other syndromes as mentioned above.
• Cold medications
• Radiographic contrast media
• Pheochromocytomas can occur in a small percentage of people with NF1, a syndrome that includes multiple tumors in the skin (neurofibromas), pigmented skin spots, tumors of the optic nerve of the eye, and bone lesions
• Drugs that inhibit catecholamine reuptake, such as tricyclic antidepressants and cocaine

Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma

Some common Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma :

• Headaches
• Palpitations
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Changes in body position
• Abdominal pain
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Flushing
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Excessive sweating
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Treatment of Pheochromocytoma

Here is the list of the methods for treating Pheochromocytoma :

• The definitive treatment is removal of the tumor by surgery.
• Start alpha blockade with phenoxybenzamine 7-10 days preoperatively to allow for expansion of blood volume.
• After surgery, it is necessary to continually monitor all vital signs in an intensive care unit in the case of an inoperable tumor, management with medication is necessary. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy have not been effective in curing this kind of tumor.
• Prior to surgical removal, the high blood pressure will need to be brought under control, using first the medication phenoxybenzamine, followed by beta-blocking antihypertensive agents.
• Use an arterial line, cardiac monitor, and Swan-Ganz catheter administer stress-dose steroids if bilateral resection is planned.
• If a pheochromocytoma is cancerous (malignant), treatment may go beyond medication and surgery to include radiation, chemotherapy or destroying the function (ablation) of arteries that supply blood to the tumor.
• Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body.