How are neuroendocrine/carcinoid tumors diagnosed?
When you see your physician, you will have a routine examination. Your doctor will ask you questions about your general health and your family history of cancer and liver disease. You will also be asked about your lifestyle and habits, including drinking and smoking. Your physician may order the following tests: • Blood work. Blood tests may include a complete blood count, hematocrit, platelet count, liver function tests and chromogranin A, which will be elevated in patients with neuroendocrine/carcinoid tumors. • CT scan. This test identifies the tumor(s) and pinpoints their size and location in the liver, as well as their relation to the vascular/biliary structures. It also helps the doctor to determine the overall health of the liver. • MRI. This test identifies the tumor(s) and pinpoints their size and location in the liver, as well as vascular/biliary structures. It also helps the doctor to determine the overall health of the liver. A doctor will determine whether to do a CT scan,
