What size of pheochromocytoma is malignant?

Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on November 11, 2024
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The size of pheochromocytomas and the benign or malignant nature of the tumor are not greatly related. Usually, most are familial pheochromocytomas, which are most commonly bilateral, but they have a relatively high recurrence rate and are difficult to treat with fewer available treatment options. Once a pheochromocytoma is detected, it should be taken seriously and treated promptly. The presence of a tumor often indicates that it has developed to the mid and late stages, where it becomes relatively difficult to cure. Regardless of whether the tumor is large or small, it must be taken seriously and treated with care, otherwise, it may easily worsen and affect health.

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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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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.

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Written by Li Pei
Neurosurgery
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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 Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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What department does pheochromocytoma see?

Pheochromocytomas generally require a visit to urology for treatment. Initially, they mostly present with symptoms of hypertension, leading many to first visit cardiology. After differential diagnoses have ruled out other causes and confirmed pheochromocytoma, patients must then seek treatment from urology. Pheochromocytomas are generally located in the adrenal glands, hence they require surgical removal by a urologist. It is crucial to strictly control blood pressure during surgery, as fluctuations can be severe and significantly impact the patient's physical and mental health. Therefore, if a pheochromocytoma is detected, it is critical to seek timely medical treatment for a relatively better prognosis.