Can pheochromocytoma be cured?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Currently, with the continuous advancement of surgical techniques, pheochromocytomas can be treated promptly and effectively, achieving favorable outcomes. Once a pheochromocytoma is diagnosed and accurately localized, it is advisable to promptly proceed with surgical intervention. Removing the tumor surgically usually results in effective treatment outcomes.

Before surgery, imaging studies and biochemical tests are used for the qualitative and locational diagnosis. After the nature and location of the tumor are clearly identified, the success rate of the surgery can also be increased. Pre-operative use of adrenergic receptor blockers can effectively manage the condition, leading to a reduction in blood pressure and lessening the load on the heart, thereby ensuring smooth conduct of the surgery.

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How to test for pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland. The tumor secretes a large amount of catecholamines, causing an increase in blood pressure. Diagnostic tests for pheochromocytoma can include a CT scan and MRI of the adrenal glands to confirm the presence of any adrenal mass. Additionally, ultrasound can also be used as an auxiliary test to help confirm the diagnosis. It is also advisable to check the levels of catecholamines in the blood and urine to further confirm the presence of an adrenal pheochromocytoma.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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What should I do if pheochromocytoma causes excessive sweating?

Patients with pheochromocytoma generally exhibit profuse sweating, which is a manifestation of sympathetic excitement. This occurs because the capillary beds throughout the body of a person with pheochromocytoma are constricted, including the sweat glands. Thus, it is easy to exhibit these symptoms of sympathetic excitement, characterized by nervousness, heavy sweating, and weight loss. So, how should this be treated? The key is to treat the cause. In the clinic, after collecting some blood history, conducting various blood tests, and performing adrenal CT scans among other imaging studies, a clear diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is made. Then, we will use some alpha receptor blockers, one to lower the blood pressure to a normal range and another to dilate the capillary beds throughout the body. After this, we proceed with the related surgical treatment. Following the surgical removal of the tumor, symptoms such as sweating will gradually be relieved.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?

For the examination of pheochromocytoma, it is generally recommended to use qualitative or localization diagnostic methods. Qualitative examinations typically involve collecting metabolites of catecholamines from urine and blood to further facilitate a definitive diagnosis. Localization examinations are conducted through abdominal ultrasound, CT, or MRI to further identify the specific growth location of the pheochromocytoma. After a definitive diagnosis through qualitative and localization examinations, surgery is generally recommended to effectively remove the pheochromocytoma. Additionally, antihypertensive medication can be used to help control symptoms.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Pheochromocytoma typical manifestations

For pheochromocytoma, the term usually refers to tumors arising from the chromaffin tissue of the neural crest. Clinically, the main typical symptoms include severe hypertension, along with nausea, vomiting, intense headache, and dizziness. Additionally, it may also cause the patient to be in a continuous high metabolic state, characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating. If not treated promptly and effectively, it may pose serious threats to the patient's heart, brain, and kidneys. In severe cases, it could even be life-threatening. Surgery is commonly recommended for treatment.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?

For patients with pheochromocytoma, comprehensive examinations are necessary for diagnosis. For instance, measuring catecholamines and their metabolites in blood or urine can help determine if there is a noticeable increase in catecholamine levels. Furthermore, adrenal CT scans can be used to assess the condition, where in many cases, significant occupying lesions can be detected through adrenal CT scans. In addition, other related tests also hold diagnostic value and significance, such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and related nuclear scanning tests, which can assist in qualitative and locational diagnosis.