1. Can I choose between the serotonin and 5-HIAA tests?
It is up to you and your doctor to determine the tests that should be ordered. Serotonin and
5-HIAA offer complementary information. In some cases, 5-HIAA is preferred because it is more stable and, since it is collected for 24 hours, there is more chance of identifying it than excess serotonin that is only released intermittently.
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2. Are some people at a higher risk for developing a carcinoid tumor?
Anyone at any age can develop a
carcinoid tumor but, according to the American Cancer Society, the average age at diagnosis is usually about 55 to 65. Patients with a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1), a genetic condition that increases a patient's risk of developing tumors in the
endocrine system glands, may be at higher risk for developing a carcinoid tumor.
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