Diagnosingneuroendocrine tumours

There are many tests that canbe used to diagnose NETs, including blood tests , urine tests, scans, and a biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for closer examination).

Different types of scans may also be used to identify or examine tumours. These include:

  • ultrasound scans including echocardiograms and endoscopic ultrasound scans
  • computerised tomography (CT) scans
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
  • positron emission tomography (PET) scans
  • octreotide scans where mild radioactive liquid is injected into your veins anda special camera is used to highlightany cancerous cells

The Cancer Research UK website has more information about tests for rare cancers .

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018