How is pheochromocytoma treated?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Currently, for the treatment of pheochromocytoma, it is primarily important that once diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, one should promptly visit the local hospital to arrange surgical treatment as soon as possible. By surgically removing the pheochromocytoma, this prevents the excessive secretion of catecholamines, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis in patients. Therefore, clinically, after diagnosing and locating the pheochromocytoma, receiving surgical treatment can often achieve satisfactory therapeutic outcomes. Typically, appropriate preparations must be made before surgery. Generally, prior to the operation, it is crucial to actively administer medications such as alpha-adrenergic blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, vasodilators, and catecholamine synthesis inhibitors to effectively treat and stabilize blood pressure.

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Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
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Is it okay not to remove a pheochromocytoma?

For patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, it is recommended that surgical removal is the best option. Pheochromocytoma, also known as an adrenal medullary tumor, originates from the sympathetic ganglia in the adrenal medulla and other related chromaffin tissues. This type of disease can secrete large amounts of catecholamines, causing episodic or persistent hypertension, as well as other related metabolic disorder syndromes. It often presents as potentially fatal hypertension, accompanied by potentially fatal hypotension or even shock, leading to symptoms such as increased heart rate, palpitations, and fear. Patients with pheochromocytoma are advised to undergo timely surgical treatment, as general drug treatments are unable to control or cure the condition.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Can a pheochromocytoma be treated without surgery?

For pheochromocytoma, it is still best to receive surgical treatment. Conservative treatment through medication alone has limited effects. In most cases, gradually increasing blood pressure leads to serious symptoms or signs in the patient, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, labored breathing, chest pain, accompanied by profuse sweating, and even severe panic and feelings of impending doom, posing serious life-threatening risks to the patient. In terms of treatment, it is advised to prioritize surgical removal of the tumor, as this can fundamentally lead to a complete cure. Additionally, appropriate medication can be used before and after the surgery to assist in treatment.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Pheochromocytoma Test Items

For pheochromocytoma, the usual tests include routine blood tests, routine urine tests, and biochemical examinations. Specific tests mainly involve collecting blood and urine catecholamine metabolites to help diagnose the condition. Furthermore, further localization diagnostics are conducted on the patient via abdominal ultrasound, as well as CT or MRI scans, to determine the specific location of the pheochromocytoma growth. Further examinations are conducted in preparation for subsequent surgery, with treatment generally recommended to be surgical. During treatment, antihypertensive drugs are used in conjunction to control blood pressure and maintain stability of the condition.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Malignant symptoms of pheochromocytoma

For pheochromocytoma, if not treated adequately, it often leads to severe hypertensive crises in patients, characterized by extreme spikes in blood pressure accompanied by profuse sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and numbness in the limbs. Excessively high blood pressure can easily trigger pathological changes in the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain tissues, possibly leading to hypertensive brain hemorrhage, and even endangering the patient's life. Therefore, if pheochromocytoma is not managed and treated properly, it often results in critical illness and might even endanger the patient's life. It is recommended that once diagnosed, hospitalization should be sought promptly, and surgical treatment should be considered if necessary.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Pheochromocytoma blood pressure how much

For patients with pheochromocytoma, they often present with a hypermetabolic state, elevated blood pressure, even reaching above 200 mmHg, along with significant hypertension and hyperglycemia. Patients may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, and even chest pain and labored breathing. When such symptoms occur, it is important to promptly take the patient to a local hospital for medical attention. Appropriate tests should be conducted to help confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific location of the pheochromocytoma. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, but it is essential to manage blood pressure with appropriate antihypertensive drugs before, during, and after treatment.