1. Should everyone have a Chromogranin A test?
No. This test is usually ordered to help diagnose and monitor a carcinoid or other neuroendocrine tumor, both of which are uncommon. Most people will never need to have this test performed.
2. How does a doctor locate the carcinoid or neuroendocrine tumor?
This is usually accomplished through the use of imaging scans such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, surgery is required to find the tumor.
3. How does the doctor tell whether a tumor is benign or cancerous?
In order to determine whether the tumor is benign or cancerous, the doctor will need to perform a biopsy or remove the tumor surgically and look at the tumor cells under the microscope.
