Phaeochromocytoma: Is it that uncommon?
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Abstract
Background: Phaeochromocytoma has been described as a rare condition in the literature.
Aim: This study aims to present cases of phaeochromocytoma seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) over a period of 6 years (2003–2008).
Methods: All patients that presented with phaeochromocytoma within the study period were included in the study. Data were collected from hospital records and presented as case series.
Results: Five cases of phaeochromocytoma seen at the UPTH between 2003 and 2008 form the subject of the retrospective report. There were three males and two females, and their ages were 40, 28, 23, 37 and 11, respectively. Four of the resected specimen were benign in histology while one was malignant. Mortality was recorded in only one patient.
Conclusion: Having seen five cases of a condition that is reported as rare within a period of 5 years raises the question as to whether phaeochromocytoma is as rare as is generally recorded.
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