Catecholamines

Background

Catecholoamines are produced by the adrenal medulla gland. These are hormones that include epinephrine and norepinephrine. The body can metabolize or break down these hormones into other products such as vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). Measurement of these hormone proteins can provide an important clue in many cancers, often collectively termed neuroendocrine tumors.

Common Associations Pheochromocytoma

Less Common Paragangliomas

Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 20th Edition. Henry JB. WB Saunders 2001.

Commonly Used Terms

Basic Principles of Disease
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Commonly Used Terms
This is a glossary of terms often found in a pathology report.

Diagnostic Process
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Surgical Pathology Report
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Special Stains
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How Accurate is My Report?
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Last Updated 4/1/2001

Common Associations	Pheochromocytoma
Less Common	Paragangliomas