Can a pheochromocytoma be treated without surgery?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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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What size of pheochromocytoma is malignant?

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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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.)

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Causes of hypotension in pheochromocytoma

For cases of hypotension occurring in pheochromocytoma, it is most commonly seen after the surgical removal of the tumor. At this point, the concentration of catecholamines in the blood may significantly decrease, leading to a marked reduction in effective circulating blood volume, and thus causing hypotension. This situation is relatively common after surgery for pheochromocytoma. Usually, after surgical treatment and removal of the tumor, it is important to promptly discontinue the use of receptor blockers in patients and to appropriately replenish blood volume to effectively maintain central venous pressure. This approach can generally counteract the reduction in catecholamine levels caused by surgery, which leads to hypotension.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Pheochromocytoma blood pressure how much

For patients with pheochromocytoma, they often present with a hypermetabolic state, elevated blood pressure, even reaching above 200 mmHg, along with significant hypertension and hyperglycemia. Patients may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, and even chest pain and labored breathing. When such symptoms occur, it is important to promptly take the patient to a local hospital for medical attention. Appropriate tests should be conducted to help confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific location of the pheochromocytoma. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, but it is essential to manage blood pressure with appropriate antihypertensive drugs before, during, and after treatment.