TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Genetic counseling is part of the treatment plan for patients with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.
Source: Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: April 10, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
All patients who are diagnosed with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma should have genetic counseling to find out their risk for having an inherited syndrome and other related cancers.
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Genetic testing is often recommended by a genetic counselor for patients who:
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Have a personal or family history of traits linked with inherited pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma syndrome.
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Have tumors in both adrenal glands.
Have more than one tumor in one adrenal gland.
Have signs or symptoms of extra catecholamines being released into the blood or malignant (cancerous) paraganglioma.
Are diagnosed before age 40 years.
Genetic testing is sometimes recommended for patients with pheochromocytoma who:
Are aged 40 to 50 years.
Have a tumor in one adrenal gland.
Do not have a personal or family history of an inherited syndrome.
When certain gene changes are found during genetic testing, the testing is usually offered to family members who are at risk but do not have signs or symptoms.
Genetic testing is not recommended for patients older than 50 years.
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice