Pheochromocytoma

Alternative names:

chromaffin tumors

Treatment:

The definitive treatment is removal of the tumor by surgery. Continuous monitoring of all vital signs is necessary in the postoperative period in an intensive care unit. Stabilization of the person's vital signs with medication prior to surgery is important and may require hospitalization. In the case of an inoperable tumor, management with medication is necessary. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy have not been effective in destroying the tumor.

Expectations (prognosis):

With surgery, the 5-year survival rate is 95%, with recurrence less than 10%. Hormone secretion of norepinephrine and epinephrine returns to normal after surgery. In malignant tumors, the 5-year survival after surgery is less than 50%.

Complications:

High blood pressure may not be cured in one-fourth of the people after surgery, yet control is usually achieved in these people with standard treatments for hypertension. Recurrence of tumor may occur in 10% of the cases.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of pheochromocytoma.

Call your health care provider if you have had a pheochromocytoma in the past and symptoms recur.