Urologic Oncology Branch, DCS/NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1502, USA
Address for correspondence: McClellan M. Walther, M.D., Urologic Oncology Branch, DCS/NCI/NIH, Building 10, Room 2B-43, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1502, Bethesda, MD 20892-1502. Voice: 301-402-2251; fax: 301-402-0922.
macw{at}nih.gov
Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 970: 41-53 (2002).
Pheochromocytoma is a rare, surgically correctable cause of
hypertension. Modern medical blockade has significantly improved
patient survival and morbidity. The last decade has seen the
identification of the genes responsible for several hereditary
causes of pheochromocytoma. Evaluation of these patients has
demonstrated different catecholamine profiles associated with
the different syndromes. Genetic testing and new, more sensitive
catecholamine tests are allowing better, earlier diagnosis of
affected patients. Some patients with small tumors deemed nonfunctional
by traditional methods may be safely observed until function
is demonstrated. Laparoscopic surgery has supplanted the use
of open surgery in the management of these tumors. Adrenocortical-sparing
surgery may be performed using laparoscopy in patients with
hereditary forms of pheochromocytoma.
