Neuronal Tumor and Injury Marker - Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) Test

This biochemical test measures the concentration of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in blood serum or cerebrospinal fluid. NSE is a glycolytic enzyme found primarily in nerve cells (neurons and neuroendocrine cells) and in neuroendocrine cells (such as apollomas). It is used as a biomarker (tumor marker) to diagnose and monitor neuroblastoma in children, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and certain neuroendocrine tumors. It also rises in bodily fluids following nerve cell damage, such as in stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cardiac arrest with reduced cerebral perfusion.