Pheochromocytoma in Children
The tumor can be caused by both genes and environmental factors. About a quarter of the cases are part of a hereditary disease such as:
- Neurofibromatosis
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes
A child is at higher risk for pheochromocytoma if he or she has any of these:
- Neurofibromatosis
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes
The most common symptom is high blood pressure, which can be very high. The high blood pressure can cause:
- Headache
- Fast heart rate
- Sweating
Other symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They may include:
- Fast pulse
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Poor weight gain despite a good appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Belly (abdominal) pain or bloating
- Back pain
- Pale skin
- Moist skin
The symptoms of pheochromocytoma can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she may also ask about your family’s health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. Your child may also have tests, such as:
- Blood tests and urine tests. These tests measure hormone levels.
- MRI. This test uses large magnets and a computer to make detailed images of tissues in the body.
- CT scan. This test uses a series of X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan can show bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than regular X-rays.
- Radioisotope scan. This test uses radioactive substances to create an image of the adrenal gland.
- Genetic testing. This testing looks for genetic diseases as a possible cause of the tumor.
- Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal glands. The tumor makes hormones called epinephrine and norepinephrine. This leads to an excess of the hormones in the body. A child may have more than one tumor.
- These hormones help manage heart rate and blood pressure, and have other tasks.
- The most common symptom is high blood pressure, which can be very high. The high blood pressure can cause headache, fast heart rate, and sweating.
- Treatment is done by removing the tumor or tumors with surgery. Most people are cured with surgery. But in some people, the tumor can grow back.
- Complications can include heart damage or stroke caused by high blood pressure.
- Family members may also want to consider genetic testing to see who else may be at risk for pheochromocytoma.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.
Updated:  
May 24, 2018
Sources:  
Pheochromocytoma in children. UpToDate., Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma. UpToDate.
Reviewed By:  
Hurd, Robert, MD,Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN