pheochromocytoma

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

noun

Pathology.

plural

pheochromocytomas, pheochromocytomata 

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.

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

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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.

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

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

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