[Diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma.

METHODS

From 1958 to 1998, 286 cases of pheochromocytoma, confirmed by open surgery and pathology, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The tumors in the adrenal gland were seen in 220 cases, and in the external adrenal gland in 66. Of 29 cases of malignant pheochromocytomas, 7 were noted in the adrenal and 22 in the external adrenal gland. 19 cases showed stationary pheochromocytomas without clinical features. Total resections were performed in 281 cases.

CONCLUSION

The operative mortality could be reduced by the prevention of potential myocardiopathy. The diagnosis of malignant pheochromocytoma should depend upon the long-term follow up.