Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor disease in which a neoplasm develops in the adrenal medulla. Most often, pheochromocytoma is a benign tumor; however, in 10% of cases, the neoplasm can be malignant (pheochromoblastoma). In Israel, the treatment of pheochromocytoma is conducted by the best specialists who are well-versed in any, even the rarest diseases.
The Israeli Top Ichilov clinic is widely known for its oncology department, where doctors successfully apply the most advanced treatment methods for tumor diseases. The diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma, due to its nonspecific symptoms, as well as cases where the tumor develops not in the adrenal glands but in the sympathetic ganglia, can often be quite challenging. However, specialists at the Top Ichilov Medical Center, equipped with the most modern technology, easily identify the neoplasm and begin immediate treatment.
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Pheochromoblastoma and Pheochromocytoma: Treatment in Israel
Treatment of pheochromocytoma includes therapeutic and surgical interventions.
1. Conservative therapy using medications is necessary to reduce the manifestations of the disease and prepare the patient for surgery. At the Top Ichilov clinic, patients are prescribed the following medications:
- Medications that reduce the effects of adrenaline to prevent a crisis;
- Drugs to reduce heart rate;
- Substances that block catecholamine secretion;
- Medications that prevent the development of catecholamine crisis during surgery;
- Chemotherapeutics for treating pheochromoblastoma and its metastases;
2. Surgical removal of the tumor is mandatory. Surgical excision of pheochromocytoma is performed via open access or laparoscopic method — the latter being less traumatic for the patient. The surgeon prefers one of these techniques, considering all factors: the size and location of the tumor, the age and overall condition of the patient, etc.
Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma
To assist the patient, it is very important to make an accurate diagnosis and differentiate pheochromocytoma from other diseases with similar symptoms. At the Top Ichilov Medical Center, patients with an unconfirmed diagnosis of "pheochromocytoma" undergo a basic diagnostic examination consisting of the following procedures:
- Examination and consultation with a specialist.
- Analysis of 24-hour urine, including determination of norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, metanephrines, and other hormones.
- Blood test to determine the concentration of chromogranin A.
- Conducting diagnostic tests with various markers.
- CT/MRI.
- Ultrasound.
- Radioisotope examination of the adrenal glands.
- Blood tests taken via catheter from the inferior vena cava.