Pheochromocytoma-..

This monograph, which was more than five years in preparation, represents a very detailed account of pheochromocytoma, a tumor that is almost invariably lethal if untreated. In addition to its definitive presentation of the subject, this volume contains the most cur- rent information regarding the diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma. It is im- portant to reemphasize the seriousness of diagnosing and treating pheochromocytoma with the aphorism of Esperson and Dahl- Iversen that although a pheochromocytoma may be morphologically benign it is physio- logically malignant (280) and with Aranow's characterization of this tumor as a "veritable pharmacological bomb" (20). If managed ap- propriately by a highly skilled and profes- sional "bomb squad," this tumor can be re- moved and the patient cured in at least 90 percent of cases. The secret lies in first sus- pecting and recognizing the patient who has and then offering the ex- pheochromocytoma pert management such a patient requires. These facts more than justify this publication, since the internist, pediatrician, obstetrician, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, urologist, neurologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, derma- tologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, and also the dentist must be made acutely aware of the varied manifestations of this condition and of the pathologic entities which sometimes co- xiv Preface exist with pheochromocytoma. Furthermore, have included a large number of instructive they should have a thorough knowledge of the figures and have emphasized teaching tables.