Pheochromocytoma hypertension medication

Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

Updated on September 01, 2024

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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 Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

1min 8sec

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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 Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

46sec

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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

46sec

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What department should I go to for pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma generally requires consultation at the endocrinology or surgical department. Please ask a physician to assess the current situation. For further examination and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, qualitative and locational diagnostics are necessary. Qualitative diagnostics typically involve blood tests where levels of catecholamine metabolites in the blood and urine are tested to assist in diagnosis; locational diagnostics involve using CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to help determine the specific location of the tumor. Treatment for pheochromocytoma generally involves surgical removal of the tumor once it is found, combined with medication treatment, which often leads to satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.

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Written by Gan Jun

Endocrinology

51sec

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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

40sec

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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.