Pheochromocytomas and paragnagliomas (collectively referred to as PPGLs) are rare tumors that originate from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma) and extra-adrenal neural ganglia<unk> . These tumors can be biochemically active (producing catecholamines) or silent. PPGLs can also be classified as either sporadic or familial, with association extablished to several familial syndromes.
PPGLs can be either benign or malignant. However, the definition of malignancy is established by the presence of metastasis as benign and malignant tumors in this category are indistinguishable in their histological and biochemical characteristics. Extent of spread of tumor is another factor that classifies PPGLs, putting them into the categories of local, regional and metastatic.
Paraganglioma classification
Ganglioglioma classification
Myxoma classification
Glioma classification
Oligoastrocytoma classification
Germinoma classification
Meningioma classification
Hamartoma classification