What it is
Medicines are given first to control blood pressure, then the tumour is usually removed with surgery.
Long-term follow-up and sometimes genetic testing are recommended, as it can come back or run in families.
Common signs
- High blood pressure, sometimes hard to control
- Attacks of headache, sweating and a pounding heartbeat
- Feeling anxious or shaky
- Looking pale
- Feeling sick
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood or urine tests for metanephrines
- CT or MRI scan
- Sometimes a special nuclear medicine scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood and urine test results
- Scan reports
- Endocrinology and surgery letters
- Genetic test results
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is the tumour cancerous?
- How will my blood pressure be controlled before surgery?
- Should my family have genetic testing?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A severe headache with chest pain, a very fast heartbeat or confusion: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.