Is surgery necessary for pheochromocytoma?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What medication is used for pheochromocytoma?

For patients with pheochromocytoma, it is advisable to choose antihypertensive drugs during medication. Clinically, there are many types of antihypertensive drugs used to treat pheochromocytoma patients, such as alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers, beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, vasodilators, catecholamine synthesis inhibitors, etc. These drugs can achieve desirable therapeutic effects. Of course, the main treatment for pheochromocytoma is through surgical methods. Only by effectively removing the tumor through surgery can a satisfactory therapeutic effect be achieved, fundamentally leading to a complete cure. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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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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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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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The manifestations of pheochromocytoma crisis

For patients with pheochromocytoma, during a crisis, it generally manifests as a sudden increase in the patient's blood pressure, which can rise to above 200-300 mmHg. Additionally, the patient experiences severe headaches and dizziness, severe nausea and vomiting. Some patients may experience significant discomfort and tachycardia, arrhythmias. Some patients also suffer from abdominal or chest pain, labored breathing, and difficulty breathing, and even blurred vision. In severe cases, the excessively high blood pressure can lead to hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage or other unexpected cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The patient’s vital signs are extremely unstable, often accompanied by multiple organ dysfunction or failure.