Neurone Specific Enolase (NSE) – SL003
🔬 Tumor Marker Test
₹4689
MRP ₹4800
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: 5th to 12th Working Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: SL003
Report: 5th to 12th Working Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: SL003
About this Test:
The Neurone Specific Enolase (NSE) test is a blood test that measures the level of NSE, an enzyme found in high concentrations in nerve cells (neurons) and in cells of the neuroendocrine system. Certain types of tumors release large amounts of NSE into the blood, making it a valuable tumor marker.
✔ A key tumor marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).
✔ Used to help in the prognosis and monitoring of Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer.
✔ Can also be elevated after severe brain injury, but its primary use is in oncology.
✔ A specialized test performed at our central laboratory.
The Neurone Specific Enolase (NSE) test is a blood test that measures the level of NSE, an enzyme found in high concentrations in nerve cells (neurons) and in cells of the neuroendocrine system. Certain types of tumors release large amounts of NSE into the blood, making it a valuable tumor marker.
✔ A key tumor marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).
✔ Used to help in the prognosis and monitoring of Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer.
✔ Can also be elevated after severe brain injury, but its primary use is in oncology.
✔ A specialized test performed at our central laboratory.
NSE as a Tumor Marker
While NSE is present in normal nerve and neuroendocrine cells, some cancers that arise from these cells produce it in very large quantities. This test is not used for general cancer screening, as other conditions can also raise levels. Instead, it is used by oncologists in specific situations:
- Staging and Prognosis: In patients diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer or Neuroblastoma, a very high initial NSE level can indicate a larger tumor burden or more advanced, metastatic disease.
- Monitoring Treatment: This is its most valuable use. If the NSE level is high before treatment (like chemotherapy), a successful treatment should cause the level to fall significantly. This test is then performed at regular intervals. A rising NSE level may be the first sign that the cancer is not responding to treatment or has relapsed (come back).
- Differentiating Cancer Types: In lung cancer, a very high NSE level strongly suggests Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) rather than Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), which helps guide the treatment, as these two types are treated very differently.
Other Causes for High NSE
It is important to note that NSE is not 100% specific to cancer. Levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions, particularly those involving nerve cell damage, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury or stroke
- Seizures or brain hemorrhage
- Certain types of hemolytic anemia (where red blood cells rupture)
Therefore, any result from this test must be interpreted by a doctor at a diagnostic center in the context of the patient's full clinical picture, imaging results, and biopsy reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Neurone Specific Enolase (NSE)?
NSE is an enzyme found in nerve cells and neuroendocrine cells. Certain cancers, like Small Cell Lung Cancer, produce high amounts of NSE, making it a useful tumor marker in the blood.
NSE is an enzyme found in nerve cells and neuroendocrine cells. Certain cancers, like Small Cell Lung Cancer, produce high amounts of NSE, making it a useful tumor marker in the blood.
Q2: Why did my doctor order an NSE test?
Your doctor most likely ordered this to help diagnose or monitor a specific type of cancer, most commonly Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) or Neuroblastoma. It is used to assess the disease, check response to treatment, or look for recurrence.
Your doctor most likely ordered this to help diagnose or monitor a specific type of cancer, most commonly Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) or Neuroblastoma. It is used to assess the disease, check response to treatment, or look for recurrence.
Q3: Does a high NSE level definitely mean I have cancer?
Not necessarily, but it is a strong indicator. While it is most associated with SCLC and Neuroblastoma, other non-cancerous conditions like severe brain injury can also raise levels. The result must be interpreted by your oncologist along with other findings.
Not necessarily, but it is a strong indicator. While it is most associated with SCLC and Neuroblastoma, other non-cancerous conditions like severe brain injury can also raise levels. The result must be interpreted by your oncologist along with other findings.
Q4: Why does this test take 5-12 working days?
Measuring a specific enzyme marker like NSE is a complex immunoassay. This test is not run daily in most laboratories and is often performed in batches, which accounts for the longer turnaround time.
Measuring a specific enzyme marker like NSE is a complex immunoassay. This test is not run daily in most laboratories and is often performed in batches, which accounts for the longer turnaround time.
Q5: Do I need to fast for this test?
No, fasting is not typically required for the NSE blood test.
No, fasting is not typically required for the NSE blood test.