Question

A client comes into the community health center upset and crying stating "I will die of cancer now that I have this disease." And then the client hands the nurse a paper with one word written on it:

"Pheochromocytoma." Which response should the nurse state initially?
A) Pheochromocytomas usually aren't cancerous (malignant). But they may be associated with cancerous tumors in other endocrine glands such as the thyroid (medullary carcinoma of the thyroid).
B) This problem is diagnosed by blood and urine tests that reveal elevated levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
C) Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to detect an adrenal tumor.
D) You probably have had episodes of sweating, heart pounding and headaches.

Answer 1

The nurse should reassure the client that pheochromocytomas are usually not cancerous, though they may be associated with other endocrine gland cancers. Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests as well as imaging, and treatment varies based on the specific findings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the fact that a client is concerned about having pheochromocytoma and the associated fear of cancer, the nurse should initially provide reassurance about the nature of the condition. Therefore, the most appropriate initial response would be:Pheochromocytomas usually aren't cancerous (malignant). But they may be associated with cancerous tumors in other endocrine glands such as the thyroid (medullary carcinoma of the thyroid).

Pheochromocytomas are tumors of the adrenal medulla that can cause excessive production of catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as hypertension. While they are usually non-cancerous, there can be instances where they are associated with other endocrine gland cancers. The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is typically confirmed through blood and urine tests that show elevated levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline, along with imaging techniques like CT or MRI to visualize an adrenal tumor. Treatment approaches may vary based on the specific diagnosis, but they often include surgery, and, if malignant, may be combined with other cancer therapies.