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pheochromocytoma
Pronunciation: FEE-oh-krome-oh-sigh-TOE-mah
Rare catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla, often misspelled in medical documentation.
Full Definition
A rare neuroendocrine tumor arising from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla that secretes excessive catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). These tumors can cause severe hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Medical editors must ensure correct spelling and understand the distinction from paragangliomas, which arise from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue. The term is frequently misspelled due to its complex etymology.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly misspelled; note the 'ph' not 'f' at the beginning. Distinguish from paragangliomas.
In Context
- "Preoperative alpha-blockade is essential before pheochromocytoma resection." — Surgical protocol
- "The pheochromocytoma was successfully localized using MIBG scintigraphy." — Diagnostic report
Also known as
chromaffin tumor
Don't confuse with
paraganglioma
phaechromocytoma