Which treatment is primarily used for pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that typically arises from the adrenal glands and secretes catecholamines, which can lead to symptoms such as hypertension, headaches, sweating, and palpitations. The primary treatment for pheochromocytoma involves addressing the excessive catecholamine release and managing the associated symptoms, particularly high blood pressure.

Alpha-antagonists are specifically used to block the effects of catecholamines by inhibiting the alpha-adrenergic receptors, which ultimately helps in managing hypertension and other sympathetic symptoms associated with pheochromocytoma. Medications such as phenoxybenzamine and prazosin are common choices in this category. The use of alpha-antagonists is crucial before any surgical intervention, as they help to minimize intraoperative hypertensive crises caused by catecholamine release.

In contrast, while beta-blockers can be helpful for symptom control, they should not be the first-line treatment because if used without prior alpha-blockade, they can exacerbate hypertension due to unopposed alpha-receptor stimulation. Corticosteroids and calcium channel blockers are not standard treatments for pheochromocytoma and do not address the underlying issues related to catecholamine excess. Thus, the choice of alpha-antagonists