A 40-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated for Intermittent Headaches, Insomnia, Diaphoresis

A 40-year-old woman is evaluated for intermittent headaches, insomnia, diaphoresis, and unintentional weight loss over the past several months.  The patient has no other medical problems and takes no medications.  She does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs and has no significant family history.  The patient is found to have a neoplastic mass producing excessive amounts of hormones that are causing her symptoms.  Surgical resection of the abnormal tissue is performed with no operative complications.  Microscopic examination of the tumor cells shows electron-dense, membrane-bound secretory granules.  Immunohistochemistry is positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, and neuron-specific enolase.  The abnormal tissue most likely originated from which of the following?

A) Adrenal cortex
B) Adrenal medulla
C) Ovary
D) Parathyroid gland
E) Thyroid follicles

Correct Answer:

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