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.

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and other problems. Many patients also have headaches, severe sweating, and heart palpitations.

Other symptoms of pheochromocytoma may include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Chest pain
• Upper abdominal pain
• Exhaustion
• Weight loss
• Vision problems
• Seizures
• Shaking (tremors) of the hands
• Nervousness and irritability

In 2002, the NIH convened a panel of experts to develop guidelines for treating these tumors. Read the news release on strategies for managing adrenal tumors to learn more.

A health care provider may prescribe medication to lower high blood pressure.

Although most cases of pheochromocytoma are non-cancerous (benign), some tumors are cancerous. Treatment in such cases may also include radiation or chemotherapy. The National Cancer Institute provides more information about cancerous pheochromocytoma.