Pheochromocytoma

Alternative Names

Treatment

The definitive treatment is removal of the tumor by surgery. Stabilization of the person's vital signs with medication prior to surgery is important, and may require hospitalization. After surgery, it is necessary to continually monitor all vital signs in an intensive care unit. In the case of an inoperable tumor, management with medication is necessary. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy have not been effective in curing this kind of tumor.

Outlook (Prognosis)

For patients who have non-cancerous tumors that are removed with surgery, 95% of these patients are still alive after 5 years. The tumors come back in less than 10% of these patients. Hormone secretion of norepinephrine and epinephrine returns to normal after surgery.

For patients who have cancerous tumors that are removed with surgery, less than 50% of patients are alive after 5 years.

Possible Complications

High blood pressure may not be cured in 25% of patients 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.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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