Difference Between Pheochromocytoma and Neuroblastoma

Various extra-adrenal sites from where pheochromocytoma can arise include the organ of Zuckerkandl, the preaortic region in the abdomen and the wall of urinary bladder. Neuroblastoma is a type of neuroblastic tumor which in turn is a childhood embryonal tumor of the adrenal medulla.

1. What is the difference between paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma?
2. What type of cancer is neuroblastoma?
3. What can mimic a pheochromocytoma?
4. What is the best test for pheochromocytoma?
5. What is the survival rate of pheochromocytoma?
6. What are 4 possible treatments for pheochromocytoma?
7. Has any child survived neuroblastoma?
8. Is Stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer curable?
9. Does neuroblastoma come back?
10. When should you suspect pheochromocytoma?
11. What does a pheochromocytoma attack feel like?
12. Can you feel a pheochromocytoma?

What is the difference between paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma?

The terms pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are often used interchangeably because morphologically and functionally these entities are the same. Strictly speaking, however, paragangliomas that arise in the adrenal medulla are defined as pheochromocytomas, and those outside the adrenal gland are called paragangliomas.

What type of cancer is neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a solid cancerous tumor that begins in the nerve cells outside the brain of infants and young children. It can start in the nerve tissue near the spine in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis, but it most often begins in the adrenal glands.

What can mimic a pheochromocytoma?

Thyrotoxicosis, hypoglycemia, anxiety or panic attacks, hyperthyroidism, adrenal medullary hyperplasia, familial dysautonomia, and intracranial lesions may also have similar symptoms. Various tumors including neuroblastomas, ganglioneuroblastomas, and ganglioneuromas may mimic pheochromocytomas.

What is the best test for pheochromocytoma?

The most commonly ordered blood test for pheochromocytoma is the plasma free metanephrine test. Though more convenient to obtain than a 24-hour urine collection, plasma free metanephrine testing is plagued by frequent false positive results.

What is the survival rate of pheochromocytoma?

Patients with a small pheochromocytoma that has not spread to other parts of the body have a five-year survival rate of about 95%. Patients with pheochromocytoma that has grown back (recurred) or spread to other parts of the body have a five-year survival rate between 34% and 60%.

What are 4 possible treatments for pheochromocytoma?

The primary treatment for a pheochromocytoma is surgery to remove the tumor.
...
Cancer treatments

• MIBG . ...
• Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). ...
• Chemotherapy. ...
• Radiation therapy. ...
• Targeted cancer therapies.

Has any child survived neuroblastoma?

For children with low-risk neuroblastoma, the 5-year survival rate is higher than 95%. For children with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma, the 5-year survival rate is between 90% to 95%. For high-risk neuroblastoma, the-5-year survival rate is around 40% to 50%. See Stages and Groups for information on risk groupings.

Is Stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer curable?

The 5 year survival rate for Stage 4 Neuroblastoma is 30%. 60% of patients with Neuroblastoma will relapse. Once in relapse, the survival rate drops to less than 5%. There are no known cures for relapsed Neuroblastoma.

Does neuroblastoma come back?

Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma. Relapsed neuroblastoma refers to the return of neuroblastoma in patients who have already undergone treatment for the disease. Approximately half of children who are treated for high-risk neuroblastoma and achieve an initial remission will have the disease come back.

When should you suspect pheochromocytoma?

The most leading catecholamine-related sign for clinicians to suspect pheochromocytoma is hypertension. Related to hypertension, four patterns of blood pressure are seen. Sustained hypertension, paroxysmal hypertension, sustained hypertension with paroxysms, and normotension.

What does a pheochromocytoma attack feel like?

Most patients with pheochromocytoma have high blood pressure. Many patients have three main symptoms: headache, excess sweating and a hard, fast heartbeat (palpitations).

Can you feel a pheochromocytoma?

Share on Pinterest A person with pheochromocytoma may experience headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. In pheochromocytoma, the adrenal glands produce too much adrenaline, noradrenaline, or both. These hormones help balance heart rate, blood pressure, and stress response, including the fight-or-flight response.