Pheochromocytoma (pronounced
fee-oh-kro-mo-sigh-TOE-mah) is a rare tumor in part of the adrenal gland. In most cases, the tumors are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. But, in about 30 percent of cases, the tumors are cancerous.
The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system—which releases hormones and other substances to help control how the body functions. The glands are located on the top of both kidneys.
The glands produce epinephrine or norepinephrine (also called adrenaline or noradrenaline), which help the body maintain blood pressure and cope with stress. The glands also produce hormones needed for maintaining the fluid and salt balance in the body. The adrenal glands make hormones that give instructions to almost every organ and tissue in the body.
Pheochromocytoma is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.