Differential diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas |
| |
Authors: | Dr Anne Marie McNicol BSc MD |
| |
Institution: | (1) University Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, G4 0SF Glasgow, United Kingdom |
| |
Abstract: | Paragangliomas are of two types, sympathetic and parasympathetic, depending on the type of paraganglion in which they arise.
The term pheochromocytoma is reserved for tumors arising in the adrenal medulla. These tumors are usually fairly easy to diagnose. However, several
areas are the subject of debate, including the identification of malignant potential, the diagnosis of medullary hyperplasia,
and the recognition of composite tumors. Some histologic features can cause problems in differential diagnosis. Paragangliomas
may have spindle cell morphology or contain pigment, requiring distinction from mesenchymal tumors and melanoma, respectively.
Extensive degenerative change in phenochromocytomas may mimic adrenal cortical tumors. This short review addresses the diagnosis
of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas and discusses useful approaches in the aforementioned problem areas. |
| |
Keywords: | pheochromocytoma paraganglioma sympathetic parasympathetic malignant adrenal medullary hyperplasia immunohistochemistry |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|