Cancer marker profile (Neuroendocrine tumors)

The Cancer marker profile (Neuroendocrine tumors) measures the Chromogranin A, and NSE levels in the blood.

• This test is useful for the screening of neuroendocrine tumors. It should however not be used in isolation for the diagnosis of tumours.
• The profile tests can be used for monitoring treatment and relapse in patients with hormone dependent tumours.
• The test may be used as a prognostic marker for survival following certain surgeries.
•  To know the stage of cancer as well as the metastasis status
• The test can help detect recurrence, metastasis and residual cancer.

Neuroendocrine tumours may not produce any symptoms in the initial stages. Depending on the size of the tumour, its location and hormonal activity it may produce the following general signs and symptoms:

• Headache [radiating or non-radiating]
• Pain, numbness and muscle weakness [due to facial nerve impingement]
• Nausea, vomiting
• Seizures
• Diarrhoea
• Skin flushing
• Dizziness

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

None

Chromogranin A

The levels are elevated in gastrinoma, pheochromocytoma, carcinoid tumors, and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.

Chromogranin A is not a diagnostic test for endocrine tumors. It can be elevated in patients with renal failure and in patients of atrophic chronic gastritis.

In some cases, levels may also be elevated in healthy subjects.

NSE-Neuron Specific Enolase Test

Increased NSE levels may occur in malignant neuroendocrine diseases like carcinoid tumour, medullary thyroid carcinoma, Merkel cell tumour of the skin, carcinoma of pancreas & Adrenal medulla as well in certain cases of Benign Lung diseases.

Increased levels may at times also occur due to epilepsy, encephalitis and other brain disorders.

• Endocrine cancer tests
• NSE test
• Chromogranin A test

Human Chromogranin A is a tumour marker used to differentiate between endocrine and non-endocrine tumors. Chromogranin A is not a diagnostic test for endocrine tumors. It can be elevated even in patients with renal failure and in patients of atrophic chronic gastritis.

NSE is an isoenzyme found in neuronal and neuroendocrine tissues. Its levels in the blood are normally negligible. NSE test is used for monitoring disease progression & therapy in patients with Small cell lung carcinoma & neuroendocrine tumors.