Context and Definition

It is important to consider phaeochromocytoma as part of a differential diagnosis, firstly because an acute crisis can be life threatening and secondly timely diagnosis can enable complete curative surgical intervention. Autopsy studies have shown that phaeochromocytomas are missed [1].

Definition

Phaeochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that arise from either adrenal medulla or extra adrenal chromaffin tissue.