Pheochromocytoma Quiz

Pheochromocytoma Characteristics

• Pheochromocytoma has a characteristic appearance of a well-circumscribed, highly vascularized tumor with a variegated cut surface.

Genetic Associations

• Inherited germline mutations in pheochromocytoma are associated with genes such as RET, VHL, NF1, and SDHx.

Clinical Features

• The common clinical features of pheochromocytoma are predominantly due to excessive catecholamine production, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, headaches, and palpitations.

Age Range

• Most pheochromocytoma patients are found in the age range of 40-60 years.

Malignant Diagnosis

• Malignant pheochromocytomas are diagnosed by the presence of metastases, typically to the bones, liver, or lymph nodes.

Neuroblastoma Characteristics

• The vast majority of neuroblastoma cases occur in the adrenal medulla.

Genetic Associations

• Familial cases of neuroblastoma are associated with mutations in the ALK gene.

Clinical Manifestations

• The clinical manifestations of neuroblastoma are related to the production of catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, diarrhea, and sweating.

Urine Analysis

• Vanylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) can be detected in the 24-hour urine of a patient with neuroblastoma.

Syndrome Association

• Patients with neuroblastoma may develop a syndrome due to the production of kinins or prostaglandins by the tumor, known as neuroblastoma-associated syndrome.