Carcinoid syndrome laboratory tests
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Parminder Dhingra, M.D. [2]
Overview
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome include an elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and plasma levels of CgA levels.[1]
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome include an elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and plasma levels of CgA levels.
- Testing for elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) has a specificity of approximately 88%, although the sensitivity is reported to be as low as 35%.[1]
. General Information About Gastrointestinal (GI) Carcinoid Tumors . http://www.cancer.gov/types/gi-carcinoid-tumors/hp/gi-carcinoid-treatment-pdq#link/_47_toc Accessed on September 21, 2015</ref>
- Plasma levels of CgA are very sensitive markers of carcinoids, they are nonspecific because they are also elevated in other types of neuroendocrinal tumors, such as pancreatic and small cell lung carcinomas.
- Many other biochemical markers are associated with neuroendocrinal tumors— including substance P, neurotensin, bradykinin, human chorionic gonadotropin, neuropeptide L, and pancreatic polypeptide— but none match the specificity or predictive value of 5-HIAA or CgA.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Diagnostics: Biochemical Markers, Imaging, and Approach. National cancer institute. http://www.cancer.gov/types/gi-carcinoid-tumors/hp/gi-carcinoid-treatment-pdq