Neuron-specific enolase refers to the acidic protease present in neurons as well as neuroendocrine cells and is a specific marker for small cell lung cancer.
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), refers to the acidic protease present in neurons as well as neuroendocrine cells. Studies have shown that neuron-specific enolase is present in peripheral neural tissue, non-neural tissue, and serum, and is overexpressed especially in small cell carcinoma, thus it can be used as a specific marker for small cell lung cancer.
It should be noted that the elevated level of neuron-specific enolase in serum does not necessarily indicate the formation of small cell lung cancer, but may also be related to local inflammation or poor sensitivity to tumor markers. It is recommended that patients make it a habit to have regular medical checkups to check for markers and determine if there are any abnormalities.
Neuron-specific enolase can also be used to assist in the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and melanoma.
It is recommended to develop the habit of regular physical examination in life, try to maintain a positive and optimistic mood, and at the same time, when there is any discomfort, it should actively seek medical treatment and follow the doctor’s instructions.