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phaeochromocytoma

(Science: oncology, tumour) A normally benign neoplasia (neuroblastoma) of the chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla.

In culture, the cells secrete enormous quantities of catecholamines and can be induced to form neuron like cells on addition of for example) cyclic AMP or nerve growth factor. Excessive production of adrenaline and noradrenaline leads to secondary hypertension, sometimes paroxysmal.