Size of the Tumor and Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS): Can They Predict Malignancy?

Abstract

Presently there is not enough evidence to indict a large (>6 cm) PCC as malignant. Furthermore, PASS cannot be reliably applied to PCC for predicting malignancy.

Lack of Correlations among Histopathological Parameters, Ki-67 Proliferation Index and Prognosis in Pheochromocytoma Patients

“…In this respect, our results were consistent with the results of Agarwal et al (Agarwal et al, 2010). Again, in their study, Linnoila et al (Linnoila et al, 1990) reported higher values for tumor weight but noted that tumor weight cannot be sufficient to predicate the malignancy of the tumor.…”

“…In the study of Agarwal et al, the age distribution of the study group was between 13-65 years of age and showed similar characteristics to our study (Agarwal et al, 2010).…”

“…However, in larger series like the study of Amit Agarwal et al (Agarwal et al, 2010), a statistically significant relationship was not found between tumor diameter and malignancy. In our study, tumor diameter was compared with each histopathological parameter separately, and no significant relationship was found.…”

“…In this context, Thompson determined some histological parameters under the name of a scoring system (PASS) that can be used in pheochromacytoma (Thompson, 2002). Yet again, this scoring system was evaluated also by Amit Agarwal et al (Agarwal et al, 2010). Numerous studies reported that the PASS system would be beneficial in differentiating tumors for having a potential to behave biologically aggressive (PASS >or=4) or benign (PASS <4) (Strong et al, 2008;Agarwal et al, 2010;Szalat et al, 2011;de Wailly et al, 2012).…”

“…Irfan Ocal*, Arzu Avci, Fulya Cakalagaoglu, Huseyin Can to differentiate tumors for having a potential to behave biologically aggressive (PASS >or=4) or benign (PASS <4) (Strong et al, 2008;Agarwal et al, 2010;Szalat et al, 2011;de Wailly et al, 2012).…”