Renewal and interpretation of concepts related to paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas according to WHO classification in 2022 / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

WHO issued the fifth edition of classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms in 2022. The content of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGL) was updated compared with the fourth edition in 2017. In the fifth edition of PPGL classification system, the author redefined the concepts that were vague and unclear in the past, and also put forward some new ideas. On this basis, this article introduces the relevant updates in combination with the current clinical situation in China. The content includes the concept evolution of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas, accurate interpretation of the definitions of paraganglioid tumor, composite paraganglioma, adrenal medullary hyperplasia, and micro-pheochromocytoma. This article also help readers to understand molecular diagnostic and prognostic markers, the definition and clinical staging of benign and malignant PPGL. The domestic scholars can unify some concepts in PPGL to avoid confusion and facilitate academic exchanges through the discussion of these key concepts.