pheochromocytoma

[ fee-oh-kroh-moh-sahy-toh-muh ]

noun

, Pathology.

, plural phe·o·chro·mo·cy·to·mas, phe·o·chro·mo·cy·to·ma·ta [fee-oh-kroh-moh-sahy-, toh, -m, uh, -t, uh].

1. a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system or adrenal medulla, that produces excess norepinephrine and epinephrine and causes hypertension, headaches, nausea, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pheochromocytoma¹

1925–30; pheochromocyte a chromaffin cell of the adrenal medulla ( pheochrome chromaffin (< Greek phai ( ós ) dusky + -o- + -chrome ) + -o- + -cyte ) + -oma; compare German Phäochromocytom (1912)

Example Sentences

Roughly three-fourths of the affected McCoys have pheochromocytomas — tumors of the adrenal gland.

From Seattle Times

Could this be a pheochromocytoma — a usually benign tumor that causes the adrenal glands to produce too much of the fight-or-flight hormones?

From New York Times

The doctor ordered tests for a pheochromocytoma, a rare, typically benign tumor that originates in one or both adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys.

From Washington Post

Another specialist worked Franklin up for a pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal tumor that can cause sweating.

From Seattle Times

The vast majority of people who experience a racing heart and debilitating headaches don’t actually have a pheochromocytoma.

From New York Times