Neuron-specific Enolase (NSE) Test

About the Neuron-specific Enolase (NSE) Test

Not used for screening, the NSE test is a marker for tumors in patients with small cell lung cancer, neuroblastoma, and carcinoid tumors.

What Your NSE Levels Mean

Any level higher than 9 ug/mL is considered abnormal. People who have non-neuroendocrine cancers may show higher levels as well.

Tracking NSE Levels with Your Doctor

The effectiveness of a treatment cannot always be measured by a single NSE test. Higher NSE levels aren’t always a sign of cancer. Changes in levels may be due to normal changes in your body, variations in lab testing or your age and gender. Work with your healthcare team to understand what tests are being used to evaluate your progress.