Considering the probable role of these three biomarkers in the differentiation of malignant PPGL, we retrospectively collected and analyzed tumor tissues from 226 patients initially diagnosed with PPGL, investigated the expression of Snail, galectin-3 and IGF1R in benign and malignant PPGL, and further explored their role in the diagnosis of malignant PPGL. The gene discussed is LGALS3; the disease is neoplasm.