Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in Urological Practice: Pheochromocytomas und paragangliomas are tumors originating from the adrenal medulla and the ganglia of the autonomous nervous system, respectively. Their clinical significance lies in their ability to produce catecholamines and severe, but potentially curable, hypertension. The tumors are identified either during screening for hypertension or as a cause of adrenal or pararenal masses. A reliable diagnosis is achieved with biochemical tests and new methods of scintigraphy. A combination of radiologic imaging (CT, MRI) and scintigraphy is most effective in the evaluation of tumor localization. Unter careful perioperative medical treatment, radical surgery of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, preferably via a retroperitoneal approach, is considered curative therapy. For malignant pheochromocytoma chemotherapy and internal radiation with I-131-Meta-Iodo-Benzylguanidine are palliative approaches.