Revista de investigación clínica

Update on Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas

Abstract

Xiao-Jun Huang

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that originate from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla; paragangliomas are tumors originate from extra-adrenal paraganglions, and found in association with sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas may cause sympathetic symptoms such as headache, tachycardia, chest pain, paroxysmal hypertension and sweating. If anytime pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are suspected, a measurement of catecholamine should be taken as well as localization of tumors with imaging examination or functional testing. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are mostly benign tumors, and a small percentage may become malignant and metastasize; hence, early identification leading to complete surgical resection is usually curative and carries a favorable prognosis.