What tests are used for pheochromocytoma?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on March 18, 2025
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For pheochromocytoma, it is usual to perform both qualitative and localization diagnoses. The qualitative diagnosis is generally based on the measurement of catecholamines and their metabolites in the patient's blood and urine. Localization diagnosis is more commonly determined through methods such as CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to pinpoint the specific location of the pheochromocytoma, facilitating surgical treatment. Most patients achieve satisfactory results from surgery. Additionally, treatment may include the use of antihypertensive drugs. With combined treatment, most patients can achieve satisfactory results. It is recommended to seek treatment at a well-known tertiary hospital locally.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Pheochromocytoma clinical manifestations

Pheochromocytoma typically presents with severe hypertension, with blood pressure even reaching above 200/140 mmHg, accompanied by significant discomfort, such as profuse sweating, chest pain, obvious difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and other clinical manifestations. Moreover, if not treated timely and effectively, it can even lead to a hypertensive crisis. It also poses a severe threat to the patient’s heart, kidneys, liver, and brain tissues. Some patients might develop cerebrovascular diseases due to very high blood pressure, such as hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, which can threaten the patient's life.

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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 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 pheochromocytoma be cured?

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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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is surgery necessary for pheochromocytoma?

For patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, it is recommended to undergo surgery as soon as possible. Complete surgical removal of the tumor often results in a very good therapeutic effect. Before surgery, some medications can be appropriately used for treatment. For example, it is advised to choose adrenergic receptor blockers, which can significantly improve the patient's condition. These can be taken orally before the operation to help gradually regulate blood pressure, or other medications such as calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and vasodilators may be used. Only through a combination of medication and surgery can satisfactory treatment results be achieved.