The tests that may be considered are shown in the table below. Keep in mind, this is not a full list and there may be different tests your doctor may consider.
|Medical history||Personal and family medical history|
|Biopsy||Fine needle biopsy|
|Tumor marker tests||Blood and urine tests|
|Computed tomography (CT)|
|Digestive endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound|
|Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)|
|Scintigraphy scans||Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy|
|Bone scan (bone scintigraphy)|
|Positron emission tomography (PET) (can be combined with CT or MRI)|
|Lung function tests|
Before performing any tests for NETs, your doctor will probably ask questions about your medical history.
This is a record of present symptoms, risk factors, and the medical events and problems that you have had in the past. The medical history of your relatives may also help the doctor to diagnose neuroendocrine cancer.
When taking a medical history, your doctor may ask questions about:
A physical examination will also allow your doctor to look for any signs of NETs and any areas of pain or tenderness, or any lumps or bumps.
If your doctor suspects NETs, they might take a tissue sample from the suspected tumor in your body. This is usually carried out using a method called “fine needle biopsy” in which a thin needle is inserted into the body to remove the tissue, similar to taking a blood sample.
Learn about carcinoid tumors, the types of NETs, and symptoms.Learn About NETs
The emotional, physical, and social challenges of living with NETs.Living with NETs
Living with NETs is not something that you have to do alone. Find help and support.Get support