Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that originates from the adrenal medulla, resulting in the excessive production of adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones. While it is considered a rare condition, its exact prevalence is not well-established due to its often asymptomatic nature and misdiagnosis. However, studies estimate that the annual incidence of pheochromocytoma ranges from 2 to 8 cases per million individuals.
Although it can affect individuals of any age, pheochromocytoma is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. It has been observed that the condition occurs equally in both males and females.
While pheochromocytomas can occur sporadically, they are also associated with certain genetic disorders such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). In these cases, the prevalence of pheochromocytoma is higher due to the underlying genetic predisposition.
Early diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications such as hypertensive crises. Therefore, individuals with symptoms like sustained high blood pressure, severe headaches, palpitations, and excessive sweating should seek medical evaluation to rule out or confirm the presence of pheochromocytoma.