Abstract | PURPOSE: We report herein 119 patients with pheochromocytoma at our institute over the last 23 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1986 and 2009, 119 patients were diagnosed with pheochromocytoma at our institute. We reviewed the medical records of these patients. RESULTS: Of 119 patients, 45 were male and 74 were female, and mean age was 43.83 ± 13.49 years. Forty-three patients (36.1%) were diagnosed incidentally, and 8 patients (6.7%) were found to have familial pheochromocytoma. The mean dimension of the tumors was 5.89 ± 3.18 cm. 4 patients had bilateral tumors; three of these patients were found to have familial pheochromocytoma and 1 patient was diagnosed with malignant pheochromocytoma. A total of eight patients (6.7%) were found to have malignant pheochromocytoma. In 1 patient, metastasis to a lymph node was found at the time of diagnosis. Metastases were found at a mean of 49 ± 25.83 (6-75) months after surgery in the other seven patients. 6 patients died of malignant pheochromocytoma at a mean of 31 ± 28.71 months (1-81) after diagnosis, and the other 2 patients survived for 15 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Approximately 35% of patients with pheochromocytoma are diagnosed incidentally, and the number of detected cases is increasing. Although familial pheochromocytoma was found only in 6.7% of the patients, genetic testing should be considered in all patients, especially in patients with a family history, young age, or multifocal, bilateral, extra-adrenal, or malignant tumors. Given that malignant pheochromocytomas are frequently diagnosed during the follow-up period, long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm the absence of recurrence or metastasis.
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Authors | Kwang Hyun Kim, Jae Seung Chung, Won Tae Kim, Cheol Kyu Oh, Yun Byung Chae, Ho Song Yu, Won Sik Ham, Young Deuk Choi |
Journal | Yonsei medical journal
(Yonsei Med J)
Vol. 52
Issue 1
Pg. 45-50
(Jan 2011)
ISSN: 1976-2437 [Electronic] Korea (South) |
PMID | 21155034
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
(diagnosis, pathology)
- Adult
- Aged
- Child
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pheochromocytoma
(diagnosis, pathology)
- Young Adult
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