Sporadic pheochromocytoma/secreting paraganglioma

Definition

A rare, isolated, non-familial pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma tumor arising from neuroendocrine chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma) or from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue (paraganglioma). The majority of these tumors are benign and the presenting symptoms are typically caused by the increased catecholamine production of the tumor, including hypertension (often paroxysmal), tachycardia, anxiety and/or excessive sweating.