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Test for Carcinoid Cancer

Carcinoid tumors are cancers that grow in the neuroendocrine system. Because these tumors produce certain hormones, they're often diagnosed by blood and urine tests, although imaging tests are also used to diagnose carcinoid tumors.

  1. Blood Tests

    • Blood tests done to diagnose carcinoid tumors include chromaganin A (CgA), considered the "gold standard" test for the disease, serotonin and tryptophan. Trytophan levels are usually low, while the other levels are high.

    Urine tests

    • A 24 hour urine collection test for 5-HIAA, the waste product from the breakdown of serotonin, a hormone, will be elevated in people with carcinoid tumors.

    Imaging Tests

    • X rays, CT scans and barium studies are all used to diagnose carcinoid tumors. OctreoScan may be used to diagnose carcinoid tumors missed by standard imaging techniques. OctreoScan involves the injection of dye which causes carcinoid tumor sites to light up.

    Endoscopy

    • Looking at the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tracts with a lighted scope can help diagnose carcinoid tumors of the GI tract.

    Biopsy

    • Carcinoid tumors may be biopsied, where a piece of the tumor is surgically removed and examined under a microscope for cells suggesting carcinoid tumor.

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