What does a positive chromogranin mean?

Adrenal system tumors that stain positive for chromogranin A include pheochromocytoma. Lung tumors include small cell cancer. Elevation in serum CgA correlates with the size, extension and the histopathology of the neuroendocrine tumors; it is usually higher in large, metastatic, and well-differentiated tumors.

What is chromogranin blood test mean?

The chromogranin A (CgA) test is used as a tumor marker. It may be ordered alone or in combination with a 5-HIAA test to help diagnose carcinoid tumors. CgA may also be used to detect the presence of other tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells.

What does an elevated chromogranin level mean?

An increased Chromogranin A level in a person with symptoms may indicate the presence of a tumor, but it is not specific for the type of tumor or its location. In order to diagnose the condition, the tumor itself must be located, biopsied, and examined by a pathologist.

What foods affect chromogranin A levels?

Avoid foods that contain high amounts of mines, nitrogen-containing organic compounds, as they can trigger the release of serotonin and other hormones. These foods include fatty meats, smoked or salted fish, aged cheeses, and even chocolate.

What foods affect chromogranin levels?

The following foods and/or eating habits are often triggers and may make these symptoms worse:

  • Large meals.
  • High fat meals.
  • Alcohol.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Raw tomatoes.
  • Foods containing moderate or high amounts of amines (please see the list on page # 3)

What are the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?

Symptoms

  • Skin flushing. The skin on your face and upper chest feels hot and changes color — ranging from pink to purple.
  • Facial skin lesions. Purplish areas of spiderlike veins may appear on your nose and upper lip.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Rapid heartbeat.

What foods affect chromogranin A?

You will want to avoid foods that contain high levels of serotonin, such as some nuts, bananas, pineapples and tomatoes, especially before having a 5-HIAA urine test. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of mines, nitrogen-containing organic compounds, as they can trigger the release of serotonin and other hormones.

Can neuroendocrine tumor be cured?

Many neuroendocrine tumors can be fully removed with surgery. After that, patients undergo chemotherapy to destroy any other cancer cells. Patients who have the neuroendocrine tumor completely removed may be able to consider themselves cured of this cancer.