Symptoms depend on the location of the mass and what type of neurochemicals it is secreting.
If the tumor is in the mediastinum (chest), it may cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, or compression of the trachea. If the tumor is in the retro-peritoneal space (lower in the abdomen), it may result in abdominal pain and distension. If the tumor is near the spinal cord, it may cause spine deformity and possible compression of the spinal cord.
Active hormone secretion may produce diarrhea, sweating, high blood pressure, and symptoms of virilization like increased body hair or enlarged clitoris in females if testosterone is being secreted.
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