​Pheochromocytoma

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Pheochromocytoma is a tumour that develops in cells located in the centre of an adrenal gland (each of which is located on either kidney and produces hormones to control the functions of the body organs and tissues). It is rare and usually non-cancerous.

The presence of a tumour results in the excessive release of hormones that control the heart rate, metabolism and blood pressure, causing high blood pressure. The exact cause of this tumour is unknown. They usually develop in particular cells called the chromaffin cell, located in the centre of the adrenal glands.

Pheochromocytoma can occur at any age but they mostly occur from early to mid-adulthood. 

Pheochromocytoma can be life-threatening if untreated as they can cause massive damage to other body systems, especially the cardiovascular system.​