[Clinical types of pheochromocytom].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma.

METHODS

90 patients with pheochromocytomas were treated from June 1987 to August 1998. These patients showed extra-adrenal (14 patients), non-symptomatic (5), recurrent (8), malignant (15), bilateral or multiple (4), and familial or MEN-IIA (5).

RESULTS

One patient with malignant extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma showed extensive metastasis. All the patients except this patient were confirmed pathologically. 36 patients were followed up for 5 months - 10 years. Eight patients had recurrence and 3 showed malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Open surgery is an effective method for pheochromocytoma. Preoperative preparation must be sufficient to make the operation safe. Recurrent pheochromocytomas are not malignant in nature, but they have considerable malignant tendency and should undergo intensive surveillance and regular examinations. Familial pheochromocytomas are bilateral or multiple. They could develop into secondary medullar thyroid carcinoma in the meantime.