What is the typical behavior of a pheochromocytoma found in adults?

A pheochromocytoma is a tumor that originates from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, leading to the secretion of catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. In adults, the typical behavior of pheochromocytomas is that they are usually benign. While a small percentage can be malignant, the majority of these tumors do not metastasize and can often be cured by surgical removal.

The histological characteristics of pheochromocytomas can include solid nests or trabecular arrangements, abundant vascularization, and large hyperchromatic nuclei, but even with these features, most tumors in adults do not exhibit aggressive behavior. The likelihood of malignancy increases if the tumor shows specific histological features or if it is associated with certain genetic syndromes.

It's important to understand that while pheochromocytomas may demonstrate malignant potential in some cases, particularly in hereditary syndromes or those that show atypical histological features, it remains the norm for these tumors to be benign in adults. This benign nature allows for a positive prognosis following intervention.