Whether high neuron-specific enolase is serious or not needs to be judged in combination with clinical symptoms and imaging findings such as CT.
Neuron-specific enolase is mainly found in neural and neuroendocrine tissues, and its normal reference value is less than 15 μg/mL.
Significantly elevated levels are common in patients with small cell lung cancer, and are often used to monitor the disease, assess the efficacy of treatment and predict recurrence, as well as in the differential diagnosis with non-small cell lung cancer. It may also be elevated in other tumors such as neuroblastoma, medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, melanoma, and pancreatic endocrine tumors. Non-neoplastic conditions may also be elevated.
To determine the severity of the disease, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment should be made by combining CT and other imaging and pathology results.
It is recommended to consult a doctor for standardized diagnosis and treatment if necessary.