How is a pheochromocytoma treated?
Surgery is the definitive treatment. Until the tumor is removed, control of blood pressure is a top priority. Controlling blood pressure before and during surgery is the trickiest part of care. There is a chance of developing an acute hypertensive crisis after anesthesia is given during the surgery. The blood pressure is therefore closely monitored through the procedure. Because of the types of hormones involved in a pheochromocytoma, blood pressure control utilizes agents of a specific class of drugs known as alpha blockers. There are also certain drugs available which inhibit the formation of hormones by the tumor. These medications can be used if needed preoperatively. In the rare instances of pheochromocytomas that are malignant, chemotherapy may be required after surgery. What is the outlook with a pheochromocytoma? Both malignant and benign pheochromocytomas can recur after surgery. The statistics vary from one study to the next but recurrence rates average around 10%. Therefore,
