Prognostic profile for patients with pheochromocytoma derived from clinical and pathological factors and DNA ploidy pattern.

Eighty-eight patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma treated over a 28 year period (1960-1987) were studied. Based on clinical course, they were divided into three prognostic groups: benign (n = 57); multiple (n = 12); and metastatic (n = 19). Using clinical data, histopathologic findings, and tumor nuclear DNA content a prognostic profile for each group was constructed. The following variables were studied: age, familial pheochromocytoma, associated endocrine or neoplastic disorders, number and location of the lesion at diagnosis, size of the tumor, and the nuclear DNA ploidy pattern. Of these prognostic factors the most significant to predict a future malignant clinical course were large size and local tumor extension at time of surgery. Family history of pheochromocytoma, associated endocrine disorders, and young age at presentation predicted multiplicity. Old age, absence of familial pheochromocytoma or related endocrine disorders and DNA diploid tumors seem to be favorable findings. Using these variables in combination may be helpful for early identification of patients with malignant, multiple, or benign pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.