Abstract
Pheochromocytoma （paraganglioma） is defined as a catecholamine-producing tumor originating from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal sympathetic ganglions. The diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma is thought to be relatively simpler than those of other hormone-producing tumors. However, patients with this tumor may develop certain clinical conditions （e.g., hypertension crisis） that may be lifethreatening. In addition more than 10% of pheochromocytoma patients are diagnosed with malignant, although reliable histopathological criteria for predicting malignant behavior have not yet been established. Therefore, we review the current status and problems associated with the diagnosis, pharmacological treatment and radiotherapy of benign or malignant pheochromocytoma, and describe our experiences in this regard.
