Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare types of neuroendocrine tumors that are typically benign, or noncancerous. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are caused by an abnormal growth
in chromaffin cells. Chromaffin cells are a type of cell that makes neurohormones and releases the neurohormones into the blood. Neurohormones are chemicals that are made by nerve cells and used to send signals to other cells. While many pheochromocytomas
and paragangliomas are benign, some can become cancerous (malignant). Early detection and treatment of the tumor is important for optimal results. The diseases can be diagnosed by blood and urine tests, imaging tests or genetic testing.
While pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are often used interchangeably, paragangliomas that occur in the adrenal medulla are called pheochromocytomas, and those outside the adrenal gland are called paragangliomas.
Our Team Approach to Treating Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center experts at our Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors Program, part of the Gastrointestinal Treatment Cancer Center,
are studying pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes to better understand who is at high risk and determine the best treatment. The program's multidisciplinary approach to treatment often involves medical therapies, surgery and chemotherapy.
Experts work together to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient.
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are increasingly being recognized as part of a larger syndrome with a genetic basis. Patients and families also have access to our Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention.
Adrenal endocrinologists, adrenal geneticists, and genetic counselors provide patients with new genetic technologies that can identify their risk, or a family member's risk, for developing pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes.
How Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas Develop
Pheochromocytomas develop in the adrenal glands, which are located above each kidney in the back of the upper abdomen. When chromaffin cells form a tumor elsewhere in the body, they are called paragangliomas.
The adrenal glands create hormones called catecholamines which help control one's heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and the way the body reacts to stress. Sometimes pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes release extra neurohormones, adrenaline
(epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), into the blood and cause signs or symptoms of disease.
Symptoms of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Symptoms of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes include:
- High blood pressure/hypertension (most common)
- Headache
- Heavy sweating for no reason (hyperhidrosis)
- Strong, fast, or irregular heartbeat
- Shakiness
- Extreme paleness (pallor)
Research and Clinical Trials for Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center includes some of the world's top researchers and clinicians in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes. Staffed by medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, we offer the latest treatments fueled by
ongoing research and discovery including new clinical trials.
Featured Clinical Trial: Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Testing the Addition of an Anticancer Drug, Olaparib, to the Usual Chemotherapy (Temozolomide) for Advanced Neuroendocrine Cancer
Trial Number: NCT04394858
Principal Investigators: Kimberly Perez, MD, Jaydira Del Rivero, MD
Trial Description: This phase II trial studies how well the addition of olaparib to the usual treatment, temozolomide, works in treating patients with neuroendocrine cancer (pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma) that has spread to other
places in the body (metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable).
Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Treatment Team
Experts in our Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors Program work together with Brigham and Women's Hospital specialists to create an individualized treatment plan that offers you the most effective, comprehensive care available for pheochromocytoma and
paraganglioma syndromes.
Leadership
Jennifer Chan, MD, MPH, Oncologist
Kimberly Perez, MD, Oncologist
Anand Vaidya, MD, Endocrinologist and Director of the Center for Adrenal Disorders (Brigham and Women's Hospital)
Matthew Nehs, MD, Endocrine Surgeon (Brigham and Women's Hospital)
Huma Rana, MD, MPH, Medical Genetics and Clinical Director Cancer Genetics and Prevention
See the complete list of our gastrointestinal cancer specialists.
Contact Us
New Patients
To request an appointment, please call 877-442-3324 or 617-632-3476, or complete the online form.
After scheduling, one of our nurses will call you to answer your questions and help you prepare for the appointment.
Referring Physicians
To refer a patient, please call 877-441-3324 or complete the online referral form.
Mailing address
Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors Program
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215