What does paraganglioma mean?
What does paraganglioma mean?
Paraganglioma is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that forms near certain blood vessels and nerves outside of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are important for making hormones that control many functions in the body and are located on top of the kidneys.
Where are paragangliomas located?
Paragangliomas are usually found in the head, neck, or torso. However, a type of paraganglioma known as pheochromocytoma develops in the adrenal glands . Adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and produce hormones in response to stress. Most people with paraganglioma develop only one tumor in their lifetime.
What percentage of paragangliomas are malignant?
Most pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas are benign. At least 10 percent of pheochromocytomas are malignant (as defined by the presence of metastases), while a larger proportion of paragangliomas (up to 25 percent) are malignant.
What are the symptoms of paraganglioma?
Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma include high blood pressure and headache.
- High blood pressure.
- Headache.
- Heavy sweating for no known reason.
- A strong, fast, or irregular heartbeat.
- Being shaky.
- Being extremely pale.
Can you biopsy paraganglioma?
However, a tumor suspected to be a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma should not have a biopsy, unless it is absolutely necessary to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy of these tumors can cause a serious and even life-threatening release of catecholamines.
What is the treatment for paraganglioma?
Treatment of localized benign pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is usually surgery to completely remove the tumor. If the tumor is in the adrenal gland, the entire adrenal gland is removed. Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients.
