Specialized Care for Rare Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Tumors

August 28, 2026

Key Takeaways for Busy Physicians

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can present complex diagnostic and treatment considerations.
Moffitt Cancer Center provides specialized evaluation and treatment for patients with localized, hereditary, complex and metastatic PPGL.
Approximately 30%–40% of PPGLs are hereditary, making genetic counseling and testing an important component of evaluation.
Moffitt’s expertise in PPGL care has been recognized by the Pheo Para Alliance (PPA), which designated Moffitt a Center of Clinical Excellence.

Specialized Expertise for Rare Neuroendocrine Tumors

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can be difficult to recognize and manage. Some tumors produce excess catecholamines that can lead to serious cardiovascular complications if not appropriately identified and treated.

Colleen Veloski, MD, and Moffitt Cancer Center’s endocrine oncology team provide specialized evaluation and treatment for patients with suspected or confirmed PPGL, including localized, hereditary, complex and metastatic disease.

Evaluation may include biochemical testing, advanced imaging, pathology review and genetic assessment. These findings, together with tumor location, disease extent and hormone production, help guide an individualized care plan.

When to Consider PPGL Evaluation and Referral

Prompt recognition is important given the risk of cardiovascular complications from catecholamine excess. Early consultation allows Moffitt specialists to help establish the diagnosis and determine an appropriate course of care before treatment decisions are finalized.

By working together across specialties, we're able to provide comprehensive, personalized care for patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, and ultimately help achieve the best possible outcomes.

Colleen Veloski, MD

Program Lead, Endocrine Oncology Department

Medically reviewed by Colleen Veloski, MD, Program Lead, Endocrine Oncology

Consider PPGL Evaluation

Certain patients may have an increased likelihood of PPGL, including those who present at a younger age, have a family history of pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma or other endocrine tumors, or have features associated with a hereditary tumor syndrome.

Consider PPGL evaluation in patients with:

Resistant, episodic or unexplained hypertension
Episodic headaches, diaphoresis or palpitations
An adrenal incidentaloma with features suspicious for pheochromocytoma
An extra-adrenal mass suspicious for paraganglioma
Signs or symptoms suggesting excess catecholamine production

Consider Referral to Moffitt

Patients with suspected or confirmed PPGL may benefit from referral to Moffitt, particularly those requiring additional diagnostic expertise or specialized treatment planning.

Referral may be appropriate for patients with:

An uncertain or complex diagnosis
Suspected hereditary disease
Functional tumors requiring preoperative management
Complex tumor location or surgical considerations
Recurrent or metastatic disease

Specialized Evaluation and Treatment

PPGL care is tailored to the tumor’s location, functional status, extent of disease, genetic findings and the patient’s overall health.

Evaluation and treatment options may include:
Biochemical testing for hormone-producing tumors
Advanced imaging and expert pathology review
Preoperative management of catecholamine-related effects
Surgery for appropriate localized tumors
Nuclear medicine and radionuclide therapy when indicated
Radiation therapy for select patients
Genetic counseling and germline testing
Long-term surveillance

Because an estimated 30%–40% of PPGLs are hereditary, germline testing can help identify an inherited predisposition, inform ongoing surveillance and help determine whether family members may benefit from genetic counseling and testing.

For recurrent, complex or metastatic disease, the team considers tumor characteristics and prior treatment to determine appropriate therapeutic options.

Moffitt’s PPGL Expertise Earns National Recognition

Moffitt’s expertise and multidisciplinary approach to PPGL care have been recognized by the Pheo Para Alliance (PPA), which designated Moffitt a Center of Clinical Excellence for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

The PPA Center of Clinical Excellence designation recognizes institutions that meet rigorous standards for clinical expertise and multidisciplinary care. The designation includes demonstrated capabilities in coordinated PPGL management, comprehensive genetic evaluation and the management of hereditary and metastatic disease.

This recognition reflects the exceptional expertise, collaboration and unwavering dedication of our multidisciplinary team. By working together across specialties, we're able to provide comprehensive, personalized care for patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, and ultimately help achieve the best possible outcomes.”
-Colleen Veloski, MD, Endocrine Oncology Department

Pheo Para Alliance Clinical Center of Excellence

Moffitt has received Pheo Para Alliance Accreditation, recognizing our expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Refer now

To refer a patient for PPGL evaluation or treatment complete the online referral form, or email Physician.Relations@Moffitt.org.