Diagnosing Neuroendocrine Carcinoid Tumors

Overview

Neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors are a rare type of cancer that typically develop in the digestive (GI) tract, lungs or pancreas. They can occur in any part of the body where cells produce hormones. To diagnose neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors, several examinations, tests, and procedures may be done. These tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine the type, severity, or stage of the tumors.

A variety of medical specialists may work together to evaluate the results from various examinations and tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Specialists involved in diagnosing neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors may include:

• Primary care physicians (PCPs)
• Oncologists
• Endocrinologists
• Gastroenterologists
• Radiologists
• Pathologists.

The following are some of the examinations, tests, and procedures that may be involved:

• Medical history and physical exam: Your healthcare provider will gather information about your medical history and perform a physical exam. During the physical exam, they will look for any physical signs of a medical problem, such as swollen lymph nodes, pain, swelling, or the presence of masses within the body.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can be helpful in diagnosing neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors. These tests measure the levels of certain substances in your blood that can indicate the presence of tumors or related conditions. For example, blood chemistry studies can measure hormone levels produced by neuroendocrine tumors. Tumor marker tests can measure substances like chromogranin A, which is associated with neuroendocrine tumors when found in increased levels.
• Urine tests: Urine tests can also provide valuable information in diagnosing neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors. A 24-hour urine test may be conducted to measure the levels of specific substances like 5-HIAA or serotonin (a hormone) that are associated with these tumors.
• Imaging studies: Diagnostic imaging studies allow doctors to look inside your body for clues that help diagnose and determine the extent of neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors. The type of imaging study chosen depends on your symptoms and the part of the body being examined. Some common imaging studies include:
  • X-rays
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Computed tomography (CT) scans
  • Ultrasound
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scans: With this imagine test, a radioactive tracer may be injected into a vein to create a 3-dimensional image of cancerous tumors
  • Octreotide scan: This is a special scan to look for carcinoid tumors. It uses a radioactive tracer attached to octreotide, a medicine that attaches to carcinoid cells. This scan help show the location of the carcinoid tumor.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a sample of tissue from a tumor. The sample may be taken during a bronchoscopy, endoscopy, or colonoscopy procedure where a tube with a light and camera is used to examine certain areas inside the body. The sample of tissue is examined under a microscope to check for abnormal cells and confirm the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors.

Additional examinations or tests may be done to determine the type, severity, or stage of neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors. These examinations help identify factors or indicators that provide important information for treatment planning. Some additional tests may include:

• Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS): SRS is another imaging technique that uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to identify neuroendocrine tumors that have receptors for somatostatin hormone.
• Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be recommended to identify any inherited genetic mutations that could increase the risk of developing neuroendocrine tumors.

Other examinations, tests or procedures may be performed based on initial findings or individual factors. It's important to note discuss these with your healthcare provider to understand what to expect so you can be prepared. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help determine which tests are most appropriate for you.