Health condition
Phaeochromocytoma deep dive
A phaeochromocytoma is a rare adrenaline-producing tumour of the adrenal gland causing surges of headache, palpitations, sweating and blood pressure spikes - diagnosed with metanephrine testing and cured surgically after careful drug preparation.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Classic triad in episodes: pounding headache, drenching sweats and palpitations, often with pale skin and surging blood pressure
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Best tests: plasma free metanephrines or 24-hour urinary fractionated metanephrines
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Imaging (CT or MRI) comes only after positive biochemistry; functional scans help locate spread
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Up to 40% are linked to inherited genes - all patients should be offered genetic testing
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Treatment: alpha-blockade first, then keyhole adrenal surgery at an experienced centre
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
Phaeochromocytomas release catecholamines in bursts, so symptoms come as attacks: minutes of thundering heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor and dread, sometimes triggered by straining, certain drugs or anaesthesia. Between attacks everything may look normal, which is why the condition hides inside labels like anxiety or panic disorder for years. Untreated, the surges damage the heart and can be fatal during surgery or childbirth.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
Diagnosis rests on metanephrines - the stable breakdown products - in plasma or 24-hour urine, which are highly sensitive; imaging then locates the tumour. Preparation with alpha-blockers (then beta-blockers) for one to two weeks makes surgery safe, and laparoscopic adrenalectomy is usually curative. Genetic testing is now routine because SDH and other gene changes alter follow-up. If attack-type symptoms keep being called panic, ask for metanephrine testing; a private endocrinologist can typically arrange it within about two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant endocrinologist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Phaeochromocytoma deep dive.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is a phaeochromocytoma?
A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour that develops in the adrenal glands, producing excess adrenaline and noradrenaline, which can cause dramatic swings in blood pressure and other symptoms.
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What causes phaeochromocytoma?
Around a third to a half are linked to inherited genetic syndromes such as MEN2, von Hippel-Lindau disease, or neurofibromatosis type 1, while the remainder occur sporadically without an identified genetic cause.
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What are the symptoms?
Episodes of severe headache, sweating, palpitations, and high blood pressure, often occurring in sudden spells, are classic. Some people have persistently high blood pressure rather than distinct episodes.
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Is phaeochromocytoma dangerous?
Yes, it can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening blood pressure surges, particularly if triggered unexpectedly during stress, surgery, or certain medications, so prompt diagnosis and careful management before any treatment is essential.
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Is phaeochromocytoma genetic?
A significant proportion are, linked to specific inherited syndromes, which is why genetic counselling and testing are recommended for most people diagnosed, particularly if young or with a family history.
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Can phaeochromocytoma be cured?
Yes, surgical removal of the tumour is curative in most cases, though careful preparation with blood-pressure-controlling medication before surgery is essential to prevent dangerous intraoperative blood pressure surges.
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How is phaeochromocytoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood or urine tests measuring metanephrines (breakdown products of adrenaline and noradrenaline), followed by CT or MRI imaging to locate the tumour once biochemical testing confirms the diagnosis.
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How long does treatment and recovery take?
Pre-surgical medical preparation typically takes one to two weeks to safely control blood pressure, and recovery from the surgery itself usually takes a few weeks, with blood pressure often normalising after successful tumour removal.
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Phaeochromocytoma vs paraganglioma — what's the difference?
Phaeochromocytomas arise within the adrenal glands, while paragangliomas are very similar tumours arising from related tissue elsewhere in the body, such as near the aorta or in the head and neck; both can produce excess adrenaline-type hormones.
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When should I see a specialist, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
See an endocrinologist promptly if you have episodic severe headaches, sweating, and palpitations with high blood pressure. Private specialist assessment is typically available within about two weeks, considerably faster than routine NHS endocrine referral pathways.