Pheochromocytoma Treatment Cost In India

Rare cancers like paraganglioma and pheochromocytomas originate from the same type of tissue. A rare tumor that develops in the adrenal medulla is called pheochromocytoma (the center of the adrenal gland). Adrenal glands are not where paragangliomas develop. The probability of developing pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is increased by some inherited diseases and mutations in specific genes. The pheochromocytoma treatment in India majorly involves surgery and PRRT therapy. The treatment plan is discussed after genetic counseling.

The pheochromocytoma treatment cost in India depends upon the type of therapy recommended by the specialist and the genetic factor of the patient.

What Is Pheochromocytoma ?

The adrenal medulla plays an instrumental role in synthesizing and secreting catecholamines – hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones are released when the body is under stress to start the defense mechanism, which quickly changes the body’s physiology by increasing the heart rate and the blood supply to vital organs. These hormonal effects happen instantly. The usual equilibrium of the body’s stress response hormones is disturbed by pheochromocytomas’ excessive production of catecholamines. Although the majority of pheochromocytomas form in the adrenal medulla, they can also appear in other regions that produce catecholamines, such as the belly, pelvis, chest, and neck.

What Are the Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma?

Signs and symptoms of Pheochromocytoma frequently include:

Higher blood pressure
Headache
Excessive sweat
A speedy heartbeat
Tremors
Pallor
Breathing problems
Symptoms of a panic attack

Less common signs or symptoms may include:

Anxiety, panicking, or a sense of fearing
Blurred vision
Constipation
Loss of weight

The signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma might be ongoing, sporadic, weaker, or constant. These episodes can be triggered by certain situations or behaviors, meals high in tyramine, a compound that influences blood pressure, and drugs.

What Are the Causes of Pheochromocytoma?

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes a pheochromocytoma. In the middle of the adrenal gland, there are specialized cells known as chromaffin cells where the tumor grows. These cells release several hormones, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones regulate numerous bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

The body’s defense mechanism to a potential threat is triggered by the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. The hormones cause blood pressure to increase and the heart to beat faster. They put other bodily functions in motion so you can respond swiftly. A pheochromocytoma causes more of these hormones to be released, and it causes them to be released when you’re not in a threatening situation.

Adrenal glands contain the majority of chromaffin cells. However, there are also little clusters of these cells in the heart, head, neck, bladder, abdominal wall, and throughout the spine. Paragangliomas are chromaffin cell tumors that develop outside of the adrenal glands. They might have the same impact on the body as a pheochromocytoma.

How the Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma is Done?

The following tests that examine the blood and urine are used to diagnose pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma:

Physical Exam and Health History
Urine Tests
Blood Catecholamine tests
CT scan
MRI

Genetic counseling should be provided to all patients who have been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma in order to determine their risk of developing an inherited disease and other cancers that are connected.

A genetic counselor may suggest genetic testing for patients who:

Possess characteristics associated with inherited pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma syndrome in self or family history.
Both of the adrenal glands are tumor-filled.
Have more than one tumor in one adrenal gland.
If Having indications or symptoms of a malignant (cancerous) paraganglioma or an excess release of catecholamines into the blood.
Are diagnosed before the age of 40.

For individuals with pheochromocytoma, genetic testing is occasionally advised if they:

Are aged 40 to 50 years.
Have a tumor in one adrenal gland.
Neither you nor your family should have a history of inherited syndrome.
Genetic testing is frequently made available to family members who are at risk but do not exhibit any symptoms when specific gene mutations are discovered.

It is not advised to perform genetic testing on patients older than 50.

The average Pheochromocytoma Treatment Cost in India starts from USD 4500. Several factors have a direct impact on the cost of Pheochromocytoma Treatment in India. The method of your treatment used to carry out the procedure will determine the cost of your Pheochromocytoma Treatment in India.

Below are the average cost of Pheochromocytoma Treatment in different cities in India:

Cities	Starting Prices
Delhi	USD 4500
Noida	USD 4600
Gurgaon	USD 4800
Bangalore	USD 5000
Chennai	USD 4500
Kolkata	USD 4600
Mumbai	USD 4900
Hyderabad	USD 4600

Note: A number of variables will affect the treatment’s cost.

Factors That Can Affect Pheochromocytoma Treatment Cost in India

Standard of medical care and services is on par with the world’s top hospitals in terms of quality and standard. Regardless of deducting the cost of lodging, meals, and transportation. The following factors may impact Pheochromocytoma Treatment Cost in India:

Medication costs.
Duration of treatment.
Geographical location.
Hospitalization expenses.
Government policies and subsidies.
Medical tourism packages.
Hospital reputation and infrastructure.
The expertise and experience of medical professionals.
The type and frequency of diagnostic procedures.
The choice of treatment modality.

Patients and medical professionals can successfully negotiate and make decisions that meet their needs and preferences by being aware of these variables.

Know More – Role of PRRT Therapy in Cancer Treatment

Get Free Cost Estimation

Want to send video description?

Record and upload your medical concern though a Video.

By submitting the form I agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of MedSurge India.

Procedure

Pheochromocytoma Treatment in India

When paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma is discovered, pharmacological therapy is commenced for the treatment of pheochromocytoma in India. This could include:

Medications that maintain normal blood pressure. For instance, a class of medication known as alpha-blockers stops noradrenaline from causing small blood vessels to become more narrow. Blood flow is improved, and blood pressure is reduced, by maintaining open, and relaxed blood vessels.
Medications that maintain a regular heart rate. For instance, a class of medication known as beta-blockers reduces the heart rate and blocks the effects of too much noradrenaline.
Drugs that counter the effects of excess hormones produced by the adrenal gland.
Drug therapy is often given for one to three weeks before surgery.

For treating pheochromocytoma in India, six types of standard treatments are used:

Surgery:

Adrenalectomy is typically the procedure used to remove pheochromocytoma (removal of one or both adrenal glands). The tissues and lymph nodes inside the abdomen will be examined during the procedure, and if the tumor has spread, these tissues may also need to be removed. To maintain normal blood pressure and heart rate throughout and after surgery, medications may be used.

Radiation Therapy:

High-energy x-rays or other types of radiation are used in radiation therapy, a cancer treatment, to either kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. Two types of radiation therapy exist:

External Radiation Therapy
Internal Radiation Therapy

131I-MIBG, which delivers radiation directly to tumor cells, is frequently used to treat metastatic pheochromocytoma. Certain types of tumor cells absorb 131I-MIBG, a radioactive material, and the radiation it emits kills the tumor cells. 131I-MIBG is administered intravenously. Before starting treatment, a test is performed to see if the pheochromocytoma will take up 131I-MIBG because not all pheochromocytomas accept it.

Role of PRRT Therapy:

A possible treatment for metastatic and/or incurable paraganglioma (PPGL) and pheochromocytoma is 177Lu-DOTATATE-based peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). The aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of and identify predictors of response to 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy in minimizing metastatic and/or inoperable PPGL.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that employs medications to kill cancer cells or prevent them from proliferating in order to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy enters the bloodstream whether administered orally or through an injection into a vein or muscle, where it can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). Multiple anticancer medications are used during combination chemotherapy. Treatment for paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas involves systemic chemotherapy.

Suggestion

You can take medication to help replace the hormones that your body won’t be able to produce any longer if your doctor removes both of your adrenal glands. Whatever your course of therapy, you’ll need to visit your doctor frequently to ensure that PCC doesn’t reoccur. They can also help you in dealing with any treatment-related long-term side effects.

An estimated 95% of those who are diagnosed with a malignant form of pheochromocytoma that hasn’t metastasized to other parts of the body survive for at least another five years. 34 to 60 % survive at least 5 years following diagnosis if the tumors have spread or returned after treatment.

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Medication Is Most Effective for Treating Hypertension in Pheochromocytoma?

A: It has been demonstrated that the beta-adrenergic blocker labetalol (Trandate, Normodyne), a selective alpha-adrenergic blocker and non-cardioselective beta-adrenergic blocker, is useful in reducing pheochromocytoma-related hypertension.

Q: How Long Can You Live with Pheochromocytoma?

A: The five-year survival percentage for patients with a small pheochromocytoma that has not migrated to other body areas is around 95%. Patients with pheochromocytoma that have migrated to other areas of the body or grown back (recurred) have a five-year survival rate between 34 and 60%.

Q: What Foods Trigger Pheochromocytoma?

A: Foods high in tyramine, a substance that affects blood pressure, also can make symptoms worse. Tyramine is common in foods that are fermented, aged, pickled, cured, overripe, or spoiled. These foods include cheese also.

Q: How Serious Is a Tumor on the Adrenal Gland?

A: It might always be high or just occasionally. Sometimes a tumor can result in life-threateningly high blood pressure. It is an extremely unusual reason for high blood pressure. However, it must be taken into account when medication is insufficient to control high blood pressure.

Q: How Do They Remove Adrenal Tumors?

A: To remove the adrenal gland tumor, surgeons must create a significant abdominal incision during open surgery. If a patient has abdominal scar tissue, which can make minimally invasive procedures more challenging, open surgery may be used. Large malignant adrenal tumors may also be removed with open surgery.