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Clinical calculator summary

PASS Score (Pheochromocytoma)

The PASS score is used to separate benign from malignant pheochromocytomas based on histological features.

Evidence-based context for fast calculator use

Purpose:
PASS Score differentiates benign from malignant pheochromocytoma using 12 histological features to guide adrenal tumor management decisions.
Population:
patients with the adrenal or neuroendocrine tumor pathology described by the scoring system
Factors:
Invasion of Periadrenal Adipose Tissue, > 3 Mitoses per 10 HPF, Atypical Mitoses, Necrosis, Cellular Spindling, Cellular Monotony, Large Nests or Diffuse Growth, High Cellularity
Reference:
Thompson LD. Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal gland Scaled Score (PASS) to separate benign from malignant neoplasms. Am J Surg Pathol. 2002;26(5):551-566.
HomePASS Score (Pheochromocytoma)
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PASS Score (Pheochromocytoma)

Clinical Context & Background

The PASS score is used to separate benign from malignant pheochromocytomas based on histological features. While no single feature guarantees malignancy, a high PASS score correlates with more aggressive biological behavior.
Primary Source EvidenceThompson LD. Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal gland Scaled Score (PASS) to separate benign from malignant neoplasms. Am J Surg Pathol. 2002;26(5):551-566.
Formula Logic
Sum of weighted points for 12 features.

Reference Data

PASS ScoreBiological Potential
< 4Likely Benign
≥ 4Potentially Malignant / Aggressive

Clinical Workflow

Use, Interpret, And Continue The Patient Pathway

Expand for workflow guidance, limitations, examples, and related next steps.

When To Use

  • Use PASS Score (Pheochromocytoma) when pASS Score differentiates benign from malignant pheochromocytoma using 12 histological features to guide adrenal tumor management decisions.
  • Confirm that the patient, diagnosis, disease phase, and available inputs match the cited model before calculation.

How To Interpret

  • Interpret the displayed result using the calculator-specific formula and reference table, spanning < 4 through ≥ 4.
  • A boundary result should prompt input verification and clinical review rather than false precision.

What To Do Next

  • Confirm specimen adequacy, expert endocrine pathology, hormonal function, imaging, stage, and molecular context.
  • Document the inputs, result, timing, and clinical context so the assessment can be reproduced.

Limitations

  • Pathology criteria can be subtype-specific and should not be extrapolated between adrenal and neuroendocrine neoplasms.
  • The result supports clinician judgment and does not independently determine treatment.

Validated Population

patients with the adrenal or neuroendocrine tumor pathology described by the scoring system

How to apply this result

For a representative case, verify Invasion of Periadrenal Adipose Tissue, > 3 Mitoses per 10 HPF, Atypical Mitoses, calculate the result, and confirm that its classification matches the highlighted reference band before continuing the disease-specific pathway.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should PASS Score (Pheochromocytoma) be used?

Use it for patients with the adrenal or neuroendocrine tumor pathology described by the scoring system when all required inputs and the intended clinical setting are confirmed.

Can PASS Score (Pheochromocytoma) determine treatment by itself?

No. Interpret the result with the cited evidence, complete clinical assessment, current guidelines, and patient-specific goals.

Evidence-based oncology decision support. Verify with clinical guidelines.