Phaeochromocytoma: diagnosis and treatment

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour which produces a variety of symptoms. Th e most important factor is to think of the diagnosis, and there are many bi ochemical and pharmacological tests as well as radiological procedures to c onfirm it. Once the phaeochromocytoma is localised, it should, if possible, be removed. Surgery is the treatment of choice. In 1972 Ross described the diagnosis and therapy as "think of it, confirm it, find it and remove it" Today, 28 years later, this paper reviews the diagnosis and therapy of phae ochromocytoma under these key headings.