Endocrinology Exam Questions and Answers Related

Review Endocrinology Exam Questions and Answers related questions and content

Commonest cause of phaeochromocytoma is:

  • A. Tumour of adrenal medulla
  • B. Necrosis of adrenal gland
  • C. Small cell carcinoma of bronchus
  • D. Adrenal cortical hyperplasia
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Phaeochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor that arises from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. It is the most common cause of a catecholamine-secreting tumor in adults. While it can also rarely occur outside the adrenal gland (referred to as extra-adrenal or paraganglioma), the majority of cases originate within the adrenal medulla. Symptoms of phaeochromocytoma are due to the excessive release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), leading to a characteristic triad of headaches, sweating, and palpitations. Therefore, the commonest cause of phaeochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla.