Pheochromocytomas (often abbreviated as pheos) and paragangliomas (often abbreviated as paras) are rare types of tumors. Pheochromocytomas form in the adrenal glands, while closely related paragangliomas originate from cells of neuronal origin, which can be located throughout the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. These tumors can produce hormones that control the typical body stress reaction and other functions, including heart rate and blood pressure.
NICHD supports and conducts research on pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma to understand the causes of the disease, improve detection methods, and develop effective therapies.
On this webpage, the term “pheochromocytoma” also refers to paraganglioma unless otherwise specified.
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