What is pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor arising from the chromaffin cells of the sympathetic nervous system derived embryonically from the primitive neural crest cells.
Most pheochromocytomas are found in the adrenal gland; the second most common site is the organ of Zuckerkandl (ganglia at the bifurcation of the aorta), although paragangliomas (which have very similar presenting features, evaluation, and treatment) can arise anywhere along the parasympathetic chain.
