High neuron-specific enolase is commonly found in some malignant tumors originating from nerve tissues, such as small cell lung cancer, neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, thyroid cancer, multiple myeloma carcinoid, and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the doctor may recommend the patient to have a CT of the chest, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, CT of the adrenal glands, as well as bone marrow imaging and CT or ultrasound of the pancreas to find out if there are any lesions present in these areas that are suspected to be malignant tumors.
When patients are examined for high neuron-specific enolase, they should be referred to medical oncology to determine the cause.