Pheochromocytoma Prognosis: Survival Rates
Survival rates indicate the percentage of people who survive the disease for a specific period of time after their diagnosis. Often, statistics refer to the five-year survival rate, which refers to the percentage of people who survive the disease five years after diagnosis, whether they have few or no signs or symptoms of cancer, are free of disease, or are receiving treatment. Survival rates are based on large groups of people -- they cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient. No two patients are exactly alike, and
pheochromocytoma treatment and responses to treatment vary greatly.
Factors Influencing a Pheochromocytoma Prognosis
Pheochromocytoma Prognosis: Summary
Cancer patients and their loved ones face many unknowns. Some people find it easier to cope when they know the statistics. Other people find statistical information confusing and frightening, and they think it is too impersonal to be of use to them. The doctor who is most familiar with a patient's situation is in the best position to discuss the pheochromocytoma prognosis and to explain what the pheochromocytoma statistics may mean for that person. At the same time, it is important to understand that even the doctor cannot tell exactly what to expect. In fact, a person's prognosis may change if the cancer progresses, or if treatment is successful.
Seeking information about the pheochromocytoma prognosis is a personal decision. It is up to each patient to decide how much information he or she wants and how to deal with it.
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