How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 23, 2024
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For the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, further examinations need to be completed first. These examinations mainly include qualitative tests and localization tests. The qualitative tests are primarily conducted through laboratory tests to measure the levels of catecholamine-related metabolites to further determine the presence of the tumor. Localization tests are performed using abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT, and, if necessary, high-resolution abdominal CT to pinpoint the location of the tumor. Once the qualitative and localization diagnostics are performed, it can be confirmed whether a pheochromocytoma exists and its specific location. Depending on the situation, surgery can be used to remove the tumor, in conjunction with pharmacological treatment.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is pheochromocytoma a cancer?

Pheochromocytoma is not a cancer. It is a special type of tumor tissue that usually originates from the neuroectodermal chromaffin tissue. It can secrete catecholamines. Based on the specific origins of the tumor cells, it can be divided into types such as parasympathetic, paraganglioma, sympathetic, and ganglioneuroma. Most often, it presents with long-term hypertension, which can cause damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys due to prolonged hypertension, or severe increases in blood pressure can lead to hypertensive brain hemorrhage, thereby endangering the patient's life. Early treatment is often necessary.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Pheochromocytoma hypertension medication

For pheochromocytoma, it is often recommended to use adrenergic receptor blockers for the treatment of hypertension. These can be divided into α-adrenergic receptor blockers and β-adrenergic receptor blockers. In addition, all other types of antihypertensive drugs can also be used frequently during treatment. For example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers also play a helpful role in the treatment of pheochromocytoma. Besides pharmacological treatment, the fundamental approach is to perform qualitative and localization diagnosis, and after confirmation, to surgically remove the pheochromocytoma completely to fundamentally achieve therapeutic goals.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?

For the examination of pheochromocytoma, it is generally recommended to use qualitative or localization diagnostic methods. Qualitative examinations typically involve collecting metabolites of catecholamines from urine and blood to further facilitate a definitive diagnosis. Localization examinations are conducted through abdominal ultrasound, CT, or MRI to further identify the specific growth location of the pheochromocytoma. After a definitive diagnosis through qualitative and localization examinations, surgery is generally recommended to effectively remove the pheochromocytoma. Additionally, antihypertensive medication can be used to help control symptoms.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What tests are used for pheochromocytoma?

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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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.)