TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Patients receive medication to treat the signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma and 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.
Context: Treatment Option Overview
Drug therapy begins when pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is diagnosed. This may include:
Drugs that keep the blood pressure normal. For example, one type of drug called alpha-blockers stops noradrenaline from making small blood vessels more narrow. Keeping the blood vessels open and relaxed improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
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Drugs that keep the heart rate normal. For example, one type of drug called beta-blockers stops the effect of too much noradrenaline and slows the heart rate.
Drugs that block the effect of extra hormones made by the adrenal gland.
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Drug therapy is often given for one to three weeks before surgery.
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice