Pheochromocytoma

Expert treatment for adrenal medulla cancer in San Diego

A smiling young woman represents the full life that can be led after adrenal medulla cancer treatment.

Expert treatment for adrenal medulla cancer in San Diego

Scripps Cancer Center oncologists treat pheochromocytoma with expertise and the most advanced treatment options. Most of these rare tumors are treated with surgery, and when possible, we perform minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions, potentially resulting in shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery.


Our cancer teams personalize treatment to eliminate cancer while maintaining your quality of life. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative board of cancer specialists reviews complex care plans to ensure patients receive the best possible care from diagnosis to recovery.

Pheochromocytoma treatment

Pheochromocytoma is an extremely rare type of neuroendocrine tumor that forms in the adrenal medulla, which is the center of the adrenal gland. Located above each kidney, adrenal glands produce steroid hormones called adrenaline and noradrenaline to control heart rate, blood pressure and other body functions.


Surgery and ablation are the most common treatments for pheochromocytoma. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy also may be used. Your Scripps cancer care team will customize your treatment plan based on several factors, including:


  • The stage of your cancer
  • Whether your cancer has spread
  • Your age and overall health

Pheochromocytoma treatment options at Scripps

Adrenalectomy surgery

An adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire adrenal gland. Nearby lymph nodes and other surrounding tissue also may be removed.


Radiofrequency ablation

This procedure uses radio waves and heat to destroy abnormal cells in the adrenal glands.


Cryoablation

Cryoablation uses liquid carbon dioxide to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.


Embolization therapy

During this minimally invasive procedure, a radiologist uses a catheter to place a substance or medication into the artery that leads to the adrenal gland, blocking the flow of blood to cancer cells to kill them.


Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs may be used to fight pheochromocytoma that has spread to other parts of the body.


Radiation therapy

External beam radiation therapy can be provided for palliative care of pheochromocytoma.


Targeted therapy

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as sunitinib, can block signals that tumors need to grow. These drugs are being studied as new treatment options for pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytoma treatment locations

Scripps diagnoses and treats pheochromocytoma at numerous locations throughout San Diego County. From Chula Vista and La Jolla to Encinitas and beyond, our extensive network of Southern California cancer care centers includes:


  • Four Scripps hospitals on five campuses
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Specialty cancer treatment centers


For details on specific centers and their services, visit cancer care locations.

Support groups, services and resources

Scripps knows what it takes to fight a winning battle. That’s why we equip our patients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with support groups and services to empowering you with the latest resources and research, Scripps helps you along every step of your cancer journey.

Pheochromocytoma support groups

In support of our patients, survivors, their family members and the community, we host a handful of cancer support groups as well as a range of free workshops and health and wellness events on a number of topics, such as:


  • Nutrition
  • Expressive writing
  • Yoga
  • Meditation


Check the current list of support offerings or contact your oncology social worker or cancer care coordinator.


For info about other cancer support groups in the San Diego community, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

Support services for cancer patients

We are here for you — not only as your oncologists, but as a robust multidisciplinary team of experts who understands that your cancer journey is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps Cancer Center offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical, psychological and emotional well-being as well as resources for dealing with the logistical and financial aspects of cancer care. Our services and resources include:


  • Oncology nurses and nurse navigators with extensive clinical expertise in cancer care to help guide you and your caregivers to make informed decisions and ensure your optimal care.
  • Palliative care to provide an extra layer of supportive care to manage pain and relieve symptoms, offer emotional and spiritual support, and improve your quality of life. 
  • Oncology social workers specially trained to provide counseling, connect you with community and medical resources, assist with transportation and housing and coordinate care after discharge.
  • Our registered dietitian nutritionists offer individualized nutrition support for patients whose efforts to optimize their nutrition may be affected by cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.
  • Referrals and professional care from experts in psychology, psychiatry and emotional health, including individual and family counseling to help with the emotional challenges of cancer.
  • Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, including wound care, voice therapy and swallowing therapy, lymphedema therapy, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, yoga and more.
  • Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine for patients interested in mind-body healing through acupuncture, biofeedback, herbal nutrition, massage therapy, integrative cancer care and more.
  • Nondenominational spiritual care offered by our chaplains to help coordinate spiritual care with your own clergy, rabbi or spiritual advisor.
  • Visiting patient services if you reside beyond San Diego and want help arranging appointments or learning more about short-term lodging.


For the full spectrum of offerings, please visit our cancer patient support services section.