# What is the difference between a pheochromocytoma and a paraganglioma? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/pheochromocytoma-vs-paraganglioma-differences Language: en Category: oncology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.624Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.624Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/pheochromocytoma-vs-paraganglioma-differences Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are two rare tumors that originate from the same type of neuroendocrine tissue. The main difference between them lies in the location of their formation within the body [\[1\]](). ## Pheochromocytoma: Where does it form? A pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that forms in the adrenal medulla [\[1\]](). The two adrenal glands, one sitting atop each kidney, are located in the back of the upper abdomen. Each adrenal gland consists of two parts: the adrenal cortex (the outer layer) and the adrenal medulla (the center) [\[1\]](). A pheochromocytoma typically affects one adrenal gland, but it can affect both, and sometimes more than one tumor may form in a single adrenal gland [\[1\]](). The adrenal glands produce important hormones called catecholamines, such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and the body's response to stress [\[1\]](). In some cases, a pheochromocytoma releases excessive amounts of these hormones into the blood, causing symptoms to appear [\[1\]](). ## Paragangliomas: Multiple locations Unlike a pheochromocytoma, paragangliomas form outside the adrenal gland [\[1\]](). These rare tumors can form near the carotid artery, along nerve pathways in the head and neck, and in other parts of the body [\[1\]](). Some of these tumors also produce excessive amounts of catecholamines, leading to symptoms similar to those caused by a pheochromocytoma [\[1\]](). In fact, paragangliomas that form within the adrenal glands are called pheochromocytomas, while those that form outside the adrenal glands are called extra-adrenal paragangliomas [\[1\]](). ## Symptoms and common factors Although their locations differ, pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas share many symptoms, which occur when too much adrenaline or noradrenaline is released into the blood [\[1\]](). These common symptoms include high blood pressure, headache, severe sweating without a known cause, heart palpitations (pounding, rapid, or irregular heartbeats), tremors, and severe facial pallor [\[1\]](). Uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the most common signs [\[1\]](). These symptoms can appear at any time or be triggered by specific events such as strenuous physical activity, physical injury, emotional stress, childbirth, anesthesia, surgery, or eating foods rich in tyramine (such as red wine, chocolate, and cheese) [\[1\]](). If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor to evaluate your condition. ## Diagnosis and treatment To diagnose both pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, blood and urine tests that measure levels of catecholamines and their breakdown products are used [\[1\]](). Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be included to locate the tumor [\[1\]](). Surgical removal of the tumor is the primary treatment [\[2\]](). It is important to note that both types of tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) [\[1\]](). Genetic counseling plays an important role in the treatment plan, especially if there is a family history of these tumors or if the patient is under 40 years old at diagnosis [\[1\]](). For more information on this topic, you can visit [Pheochromocytoma: Hypertensive crises, headache, and palpitations (Arabic)](). ## Importance of follow-up and medical intervention Because severe high blood pressure can cause serious health problems such as irregular heartbeats, heart attack, or stroke, it is essential to seek emergency care immediately if acute or sudden symptoms appear [\[1\]](). After diagnosis, additional tests are performed to determine if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, which is known as staging [\[1\]](). The prognosis and treatment options depend on factors such as whether the tumor is benign or malignant, whether it is localized or has spread, whether there are symptoms resulting from excess catecholamines, and whether the tumor is newly diagnosed or has recurred [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version]() - [Adrenal gland removal]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/pheochromocytoma-vs-paraganglioma-differences#answer