PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which tumor is specifically characterized as a chromaffin cell-derived tumor producing catecholamines?

1. Adrenal adenoma

2. Pheochromocytoma

3. Neuroblastoma

4. Medullary carcinoma

The correct answer is: Pheochromocytoma

A pheochromocytoma is a tumor specifically characterized by its origin from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. These tumors are known for producing excess catecholamines, which include epinephrine and norepinephrine. This overproduction can lead to symptoms such as hypertension, palpitations, and anxiety, commonly referred to as catecholamine symptoms. Pheochromocytomas are crucial to recognize due to their clinical significance and potential for serious cardiovascular complications, particularly hypertensive crises. The diagnosis often involves measuring catecholamine levels in the plasma or urine, aiding in distinguishing pheochromocytomas from other adrenal tumors that do not have the same functional characteristics. While adrenal adenomas can also occur in the adrenal gland, they typically produce cortisol rather than catecholamines. Neuroblastomas, found primarily in children, originate from neural crest cells and can produce catecholamines, yet they are not derived from chromaffin cells specifically in the adrenal medulla. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is associated with hormone production but arises from parafollicular C cells in the thyroid, further distancing it from the context of catecholamine production linked to chromaffin cells.