IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC Neuroendocrine Panel, Neuroendocrine Tumour IHC Panel, NET Immunohistochemistry Panel, Neuroendocrine Marker Panel |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No—the test is performed on tissue, not blood |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Individuals with suspected neuroendocrine tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is an IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test?
The IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test is a specialised laboratory examination that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in tumour tissue. It helps confirm whether a tumour has neuroendocrine characteristics and determines how aggressive it may be. Also known as the NET Immunohistochemistry Panel or Neuroendocrine Marker Panel, the test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical removal.
What Does an IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test Measure?
This panel analyses six protein markers within tumour tissue. Each marker provides specific information about the nature and behaviour of the tumour. The markers included in this panel are:
- Chromogranin: A protein found in the secretory granules (tiny storage compartments) of neuroendocrine cells. Positive staining strongly supports neuroendocrine origin, particularly in well-differentiated tumours.
- Synaptophysin: A membrane protein regarded as one of the most sensitive markers for neuroendocrine tumours.
- Ki-67: A proliferation marker that reveals how rapidly tumour cells are dividing. It is used to assess tumour proliferation and contributes to tumour grading.
- CDX2: A protein that helps identify tumours originating from the intestinal tract.
- PAX8: A marker that indicates tumours arising from the kidney, thyroid, pancreas or reproductive organs.
- TTF1: A protein associated with tumours from the lung or thyroid gland.
Why is an IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test Done?
Doctors order this IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test to confirm a diagnosis and understand the characteristics of a tumour. The results guide further treatment planning.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Persistent or unexplained diarrhoea
- Frequent episodes of facial flushing (sudden warmth and redness)
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Unusual fatigue without a clear cause
- Wheezing or breathing difficulty unrelated to a respiratory illness
- Loss of appetite or unexpected weight loss
- An abnormal mass found on imaging such as a CT scan or MRI
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
- Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs)
- Primary and metastatic neuroendocrine carcinomas
- Carcinoid tumours (primary and secondary)
- Small cell carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours such as insulinoma and gastrinoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma, phaeochromocytoma, and medullary thyroid carcinoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test procedure is straightforward once the tissue sample has been collected. Preparation depends on the type of biopsy performed.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test itself, as it is performed on tissue rather than blood. However, if a biopsy procedure requiring anaesthesia is scheduled, your surgeon or doctor will provide separate fasting instructions for that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a previously prepared paraffin block. Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans.
- Inform your doctor about all current medications before the biopsy procedure.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Tissue is collected through a biopsy, which may be a needle biopsy, an incisional biopsy, or a surgical removal, depending on the location and size of the suspected tumour.
- The collected tissue is fixed in a formalin solution, then processed and embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE tissue block.
- A precision instrument called a microtome cuts extremely thin slices (3 to 5 micrometres) from the tissue block.
- Each slide is treated with specific antibodies that bind to target proteins within the tumour cells, producing a visible stain where those proteins are present.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assessing the pattern and intensity of staining for each marker.
- The pathologist prepares a detailed report, which is reviewed alongside your clinical history and imaging findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of results. These include:
- Inadequate fixation time (ideally 24 to 48 hours in formalin) or over-fixation can mask protein sites where antibodies bind
- Poor quality or insufficient tissue in the sample
- Presence of necrosis (cell death) in the tissue sample
- Incomplete or missing clinical history at the time of submission
Understanding Your IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test Results
Results from this panel require careful interpretation by a pathologist and oncologist, taking into account your full clinical picture. The table below summarises how each marker is typically interpreted.
| Marker | Result Type | Typical Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Chromogranin | Positive or Negative | Positive in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours |
| Synaptophysin | Positive or Negative | Positive in most neuroendocrine tumours |
| Ki-67 Index | Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3 | A low Ki-67 percentage suggests a slow-growing tumour (Grade 1), a moderate percentage indicates Grade 2, and a high percentage points to a fast-growing Grade 3 tumour |
| CDX2 | Positive or Negative | Positive in tumours of intestinal origin |
| PAX8 | Positive or Negative | Positive in kidney, thyroid, pancreatic or reproductive tract tumours |
| TTF1 | Positive or Negative | Positive in lung or thyroid origin tumours |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
The pattern of marker staining can vary depending on tumour type and location.
- Chromogranin may show limited sensitivity in certain tumour types. For example, hindgut carcinoids (tumours arising from the left colon, rectum, or anus) test positive for chromogranin in only 20 to 50% of cases.
- Tumour grade and differentiation also significantly affect how strongly each marker is expressed across the panel.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This is a diagnostic test for suspected tumours, so there are no lifestyle changes that alter IHC marker results. The following general steps are recommended:
- Seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience persistent or unexplained symptoms, as early detection supports timely diagnosis.
- Keep all follow-up appointments with your oncologist as recommended after receiving your results.
- Maintain a detailed record of your symptoms and medical history to support your clinical team.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test Price
The IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,300, and this test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Home collection is not available, as the test requires a specialised tissue sample from a biopsy or surgical procedure.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2300 |
| CHENNAI | 2300 |
| HYDERABAD | 2300 |
| KOLKATA | 2300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2300 |
| PUNE | 2300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test online with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test is a specialised laboratory test that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in tumour tissue. It helps confirm whether a tumour is of neuroendocrine origin and provides information about its grade and likely behaviour. The results help guide further clinical decisions and treatment planning.
Tissue is obtained through a biopsy, which may be a needle biopsy, an incisional biopsy, or surgical removal, depending on the clinical situation. The IHC analysis is then performed on this tissue. If you already have a previously prepared FFPE paraffin block from a prior procedure, that block can be submitted directly.
No fasting is needed for the test itself because it is performed on tissue samples rather than blood. If a biopsy is yet to be performed and requires sedation or general anaesthesia, your doctor will provide separate fasting instructions for that procedure.
Reports for the IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel test are typically delivered within 7 days. This timeframe includes tissue preparation, antibody staining, microscopic examination, and pathology reporting.
You should bring your doctor's referral letter with clinical history, biopsy site details, any previous histopathology reports, and relevant imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans. Clinical history is required to ensure accurate interpretation of the results.
Yes. The Ki-67 marker included in the panel reflects how rapidly tumour cells are dividing. A low Ki-67 index suggests a slower-growing tumour, while a high Ki-67 index indicates more active cell division. This information, together with other marker results, helps grade the tumour and support treatment planning.
Yes. The panel can provide clues about the likely site of tumour origin through markers such as CDX2, PAX8, and TTF1. However, determining the primary site usually requires correlation with tumour morphology, imaging findings, and the patient's clinical history.
IHC marker-Neuroendocrine Tumour Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
