Phaeochromocytoma

In the SOPS for Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus, the RMA has defined Phaeochromocytoma as "a neoplasm of chromaffin tissue usually located in the adrenal medulla or sympathetic ganglion, which produces, stores and secretes catecholamines".

General information

Phaeochromocytoma is an uncommon tumour. The classical clinical presentation is with attacks of paroxysmal hypertension accompanied by headache, sweating, palpitation, anxiety and tremor. 90% of these tumours arise in the adrenals but the remaining 10% may be found anywhere in the sympathetic system from the neck to the pelvis. Other tumours arise occasionally in sympathetic system target organs such as the bladder, and these latter patients sometimes present with attacks of hypertension brought on by micturition.

Establishing a history of phaeochromocytoma

CT scan is now the investigation of choice for diagnosing phaeochromocytomas, though there is a place for ultrasound in assessing children and patients with large tumours. Other methods (venous sampling, scintigraphy and arteriography) will occasionally be used in the search for ectopic tumours. MRI can also be used to demonstrate adrenal masses.

If a veteran or member had a phaeochromocytoma, he or she would have needed significant medical attention at some time. Such medical treatment would normally be recorded in doctors' notes and/or hospital records. However, if the veteran or member gives a history of phaeochromocytoma at a particular time and relevant medical notes cannot be obtained, you should seek medical advice to decide whether the claimed symptoms and treatment at that time can be attributed to phaeochromocytoma or to some other condition.

Last reviewed for CCPS 12 March 2008.

Preliminary questions [8999]

21955   there is some evidence that phaeochromocytoma may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

9100     the veteran has had phaeochromocytoma at some time.

21686   phaeochromocytoma means a usually benign, well-encapsulated, lobular, vascular tumour of chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic ganglion, attracting ICD code 194.0 or 194.6(malignant), or 227.0 or 227.6(benign), or 237.2 or 237.3(uncertain behaviour) depending on the site. [Default true]

26639   the veteran has established the causal connection between the phaeochromocytoma and VEA service for hypertension.

9101     the veteran was suffering from the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

9102     the veteran has established the causal connection between the phaeochromocytoma and VEA service for the clinical onset of hypertension.

9103     the veteran has established the causal connection between the phaeochromocytoma and operational service for the clinical onset of hypertension.

or

9104     the veteran has established the causal connection between the phaeochromocytoma and eligible service for the clinical onset of hypertension.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

26640   the veteran was suffering from the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, at the time of the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

26641   the veteran has established the causal connection between the phaeochromocytoma and VEA service for the clinical worsening of hypertension.

26642  the veteran has established the causal connection between the phaeochromocytoma and operational service for the clinical worsening of hypertension.

or

26643  the veteran has established the causal connection between the phaeochromocytoma and eligible service for the clinical worsening of hypertension.

Clinical onset and operational service [9103]

9105     the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [9104]

9106     the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, is causally related to eligible service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [26642]

9105     the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, is causally related to operational service.

20990   the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, is causally related.

Clinical worsening and eligible service [26643]

9106     the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, is causally related to eligible service.

20991   the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the identified illness or injury, a type of phaeochromocytoma, is causally related.