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• • Iodine-131 Metaiodobenzylguanidine Scintigraphy - This test uses the same principle as octreotide scintigraphy but has a lower sensitivity for identifying metastatic carcinoids (approximately 80%). It has greater diagnostic value for other types of neuroendocrine tumors.

Bronchial tumors are usually identified with X-ray, CT, or MRI which may be combined with bronchoscopy, fine needle aspiration and biopsy.

Gastric tumors may be identified using endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, or an upper GI series. CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis help evaluate the spread of disease to the liver or surrounding lymph nodes.

Midgut tumors are usually diagnosed after they have metastasized and octreotide scintigraphy may be used to identify the lesion and determine its degree of spread. The diagnostic accuracy is very high as is its predictive value based on the degree of involvement. Additional studies may include upper or lower GI series, as well as CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis.

Liver metastases may be imaged by transabdominal ultrasound or by CT. Ultrasound may also be used to guide fine needle biopsy of the liver.

Hindgut tumors may be identified and evaluated by MRI, CT, colonoscopy, or scintigraphy.