How would my doctor diagnose a pheochromocytoma?
A doctor may not suspect a pheochromocytoma because almost half the people have no symptoms other than persistent high blood pressure. However, when high blood pressure occurs in a young person, comes and goes, or accompanies other symptoms of pheochromocytoma, the doctor may request certain laboratory tests. For example, the level of certain catecholamines may be measured in urine samples. Tests such as a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can help locate the pheochromocytoma. A test using injected radioactive chemicals that tend to accumulate in pheochromocytomas is also useful. A scan is then performed to see where the radioactive chemicals are. More about Pheochromocytoma This Topic on the Message Boards.
A doctor may not suspect a pheochromocytoma because almost half the people have no symptoms other than persistent high blood pressure. However, when high blood pressure occurs in a young person, comes and goes, or accompanies other symptoms of pheochromocytoma, the doctor may request certain laboratory tests. For example, the level of certain catecholamines may be measured in urine samples. Tests such as a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can help locate the pheochromocytoma. A test using injected radioactive chemicals that tend to accumulate in pheochromocytomas is also useful. A scan is then performed to see where the radioactive chemicals are.
