Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine (ex. adrenaline) secreting tumor for which the primary treatment is surgical resection. Due to the hormones secreted by the tumor, alpha receptors on peripheral blood vessels are activated, causing constriction of these blood vessels and dangerously high blood pressure. During resection of the tumor, the source of excess hormone secretion is abruptly removed, which can lead to life-threatening blood pressure fluctuations during surgery.