Because of this, a paraganglioma is often considered cancer if it has: It can be very challenging for healthcare providers to tell if a paraganglioma is cancerous or not - even after they’ve looked at the tumor tissue under a microscope after it’s been removed. Approximately 20% of paragangliomas are malignant. Paragangliomas can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Paragangliomas are also called extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas. Pheochromocytomas form in the center of your adrenal gland (adrenal medulla), and paragangliomas form outside your adrenal gland, usually along the arteries or nerves in your neck. The difference is where they form in your body. Paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma are both rare tumors that form from the same type of cells known as chromaffin cells. What is the difference between paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma?

Paragangliomas may release extra catecholamines into your blood, causing certain signs and symptoms. Among these are hormones called catecholamines that help control the following important bodily functions:Įven though paragangliomas don’t form in your adrenal glands, they’re made of tissue that’s found in your adrenal glands.

Your adrenal glands, the two glands that are on top of each kidney, make several hormones. The tumor is made of a certain type of cell called chromaffin cells, which produce and release certain hormones known as catecholamines. What is a paraganglioma?Ī paraganglioma (also known as an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that forms near your carotid artery (the major blood vessels in your neck), along nerve pathways in your head and neck and in other parts of your body. Example of paraganglioma of the head and neck.

Symptoms of an adrenal tumor