Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) can be best detected by:
Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy helps in improved visualization of neuroendocrine tumors. Octreoscan utilizes a somatostatin analogue In 111 labelled diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid octreotide to visualize somatostatin receptor-positive tumors. When compared to CT or MRI octreoscan detects additional metastasis in about 1/3rd of patients. Other nuclear scintigraphy techniques used are: MIBG: It is absorbed by carcinoid tumor cells. Iodine labelled MIBG has an overall sensitivity of 55 to 70% in detecting NETs. Although it is less sensitive than octreoscan, its advantage is that it can be used in patients who are treated by long acting octreotide. Ref: Jakob J.A., Contreras C.M., Odisio B.C., Gupta S., Abdalla E.K., Yao J.C. (2011). Chapter 23. Neuroendocrine Tumors. In H.M. Kantarjian, R.A. Wolff, C.A. Koller (Eds), The MD Anderson Manual of Medical Oncology, 2e.
PET scan
HRCT scan
MRI
Radionuclide scan