How is paraganglioma diagnosed?

Tests used to diagnosed paraganglioma include: Blood and urine tests. Your doctor may recommend blood tests and urine tests to measure the levels of hormones in your body. These tests may detect extra hormones produced by paraganglioma cells or a tumor marker called chromogranin A.

Can you biopsy paraganglioma?

In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. However, a tumor suspected to be a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma should not have a biopsy, unless it is absolutely necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

How is a paraganglioma tumor diagnosed and treated?

They will also check for signs that the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. How is paraganglioma treated? Treatment of paraganglioma may involve many different doctors, including doctors who specialize in hormone disorders and doctors who diagnose and treat neuroendocrine tumors.

How are chromaffin cells involved in paraganglioma growth?

A paraganglioma is an abnormal growth of cells that forms from a specific type of nerve cell that’s found throughout the body. These specific nerve cells (chromaffin cells) perform important functions in the body, including regulating blood pressure. When chromaffin cells become abnormal they can form growths (tumors).

How old do you have to be to have a paraganglioma?

But some paragangliomas can become cancerous (malignant) and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Paragangliomas are rare tumors. They can occur at any age, but they’re most often diagnosed in adults between 30 and 50.

Do you have high blood pressure if you have paraganglioma?

It’s important to get a prompt diagnosis. Although high blood pressure is a primary sign of a paraganglioma, most people with high blood pressure don’t have a paraganglioma, and not all patients with a paraganglioma have hypertension. Talk to your doctor if any of the following factors are relevant to you: