Pheochromocytoma Treatment by Stage

The following article breaks down pheochromocytoma treatment by stage. Localized benign pheochromocytoma treatment will probably include surgery to remove one or both adrenal glands (adrenalectomy). For other stages of pheochromocytoma, treatment by stage may involve surgery, external radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

 

Pheochromocytoma Treatment by Stage: An Overview

Different types of pheochromocytoma treatment are available for people with such a tumor. Pheochromocytoma treatment options vary based on:
 
In general, treatment for pheochromocytoma can include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy.
     
Pheochromocytoma stages include:
 
  • Localized benign pheochromocytoma
  • Regional pheochromocytoma
  • Metastatic pheochromocytoma
  • Recurrent pheochromocytoma.
     
The following sections of this article describe pheochromocytoma treatment options based on the stage that best describes the tumor and its progression.
 
Localized Benign Pheochromocytoma
Localized benign pheochromocytoma treatment will probably involve surgery to remove one or both adrenal glands (adrenalectomy). After surgery, the doctor will order blood and urine tests to make sure hormone levels return to normal.
 
Regional Pheochromocytoma
Regional pheochromocytoma treatment may be one of the following:
 
  • Surgery to remove one or both adrenal glands (adrenalectomy) and as much of the cancer as possible. If cancer remains after surgery, drugs will be given to control high blood pressure.
     
  • External radiation therapy to relieve symptoms (in rare cases).
     
  • Chemotherapy.
     
Metastatic Pheochromocytoma
Treating a metastatic pheochromocytoma may involve one of the following:
 
  • Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. If cancer remains after surgery, drugs will be given to control high blood pressure.
     
  • External radiation therapy to relieve symptoms.
     
  • Chemotherapy.
     
Recurrent Pheochromocytoma
Treatment for recurrent pheochromocytoma may be one of the following:
 
  • Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. If cancer remains after surgery, drugs will be given to control high blood pressure.
     
  • External radiation therapy to relieve symptoms.
     
  • Chemotherapy.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD