The primary treatment for pheochromocytoma is surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands depending on unilateral or bilateral.

• A. Not Curable
• B. Curable With Surgery
• C. Only Palliatively Treated
• D. Curable With Medication Only

Answer: (B)

Pheochromocytoma is cured by removing the tumor, because the excess catecholamines causing the problems come from the tumor itself. When the tumor is confined to one adrenal gland, removing that gland is typically curative. If both glands are involved, surgeons may remove one or both, sometimes attempting to spare enough adrenal tissue to preserve hormone production, but the definitive step is surgical resection. Before surgery, patients are stabilized with alpha-adrenergic blockade to prevent a dangerous blood pressure surge during tumor handling. Medications alone can control symptoms or blood pressure temporarily, but they do not eradicate the tumor, so they are not curative.