Pheochromocytoma - review and biochemical workup.

A commonly received question in the clinical laboratory is as follows: what is the best test for pheochromocytoma? A widely variable presentation and potentially catastrophic consequence make this a feared neoplasm despite its infrequent encounter. Because various biochemical testing modalities are available, test selection is often confusing. This selection process can be made easier through a better understanding of catecholamine producing neoplasms. The aim of this article is to provide a review of catecholamine producing neoplasms and give recommendations on appropriate test selection.