Therapy | Pheochromocytoma and high blood pressure

Therapy

Surgical removal of the tumor is the therapy of choice and regular follow-up examinations over the next five years.Before the operation and a certain period of time after the operation, the patient must be treated with medication to prevent severe drops in blood pressure after the tumor has been removed. If an operation is not possible, drug therapy is also possible: Patients are given either an alpha-blocker, which inhibits the effect of the catecholamines, or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, a drug that prevents the formation of catecholamines. By lowering the excessive amount of hormones to normal levels, blood pressure is regulated downwards again and 80% of patients with high blood pressure reach normal blood pressure levels. The other 20% of patients have primary hypertension which was not caused by increased hormone production and therefore continues to exist.

Prognosis

Benign pheochromocytomas can reappear in 5-10% of cases, which is why follow-up examinations should be carried out at regular intervals in order to detect a new tumor early on. In the case of malignant tumors, follow-up examinations are also very important and should be performed without fail. Do you need detailed information on this topic?

At this point we would like to point out that a detailed book has been written on this topic. A better understanding of high blood pressure increases the motivation to want to change something and to be able to actively participate in the planning of therapy. Become a competent discussion partner for your doctor.