PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA AND PARAGANGLIOMA

Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in Urological Practice: Ph eochromocytomas und paragangliomas are tumors originating from the adr enal medulla and the ganglia of the autonomous nervous system, respect ively. Their clinical significance lies in their ability to produce ca techolamines and severe, but potentially curable, hypertension. The tu mors are identified either during screening for hypertension or as a c ause 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 medi cal treatment, radical surgery of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, p referably via a retroperitoneal approach, is considered curative thera py. For malignant pheochromocytoma chemotherapy and internal radiation with I-131-Meta-Iodo-Benzylguanidine are palliative approaches.