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Diagnosis

Diagnosing a small carcinoid tumor that’s not causing carcinoid syndrome symptoms is difficult. These tumors are usually found when doing surgery or in an exam for another condition. For example, some carcinoid tumors are found when a healthcare provider removes an appendix for appendicitis.

These tests may be used to help diagnose carcinoid tumor:

  • X-rays and scans. Chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan are all useful in diagnosis.
  • OctreoScan. This is a special type of scan that is most often used to find carcinoid tumors. This scan is taken after injection of a radioactive substance that is picked up by carcinoid tumor cells.

  • Exam and biopsy. A surgical procedure to test a sample of tissue from the carcinoid tumor and look at it under a microscope is important for diagnosis. Sometimes this is done by using a flexible scope to look inside your body. This procedure is called endoscopy. If a tumor is found, your healthcare provider may take a sample of the tissue for biopsy.

  • Urine test. If you have a carcinoid tumor that is making too much hormone, it may show up as a type of acid in your urine called 5-HIAA (5-hydroxy indole acetic acid). This is a waste product of serotonin.
  • Blood test. A blood test may show an increased level of the hormone serotonin or high levels of chromogranin A (CgA). This is another substance made by most carcinoid tumors.

Updated:: 15/11/2021 []

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