Tumor Markers

NSE — The Nerve Cell & Neuroendocrine Tracker

NSE stands for neuron-specific enolase — an enzyme that lives mainly in nerve cells and certain neuroendocrine tumour cells. When these cells are damaged or growing out of control, NSE leaks into the blood. That makes it a valuable double agent: it serves both oncology (think small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumours) and neurology (think stroke and brain injury). One blood test, two major fields of medicine.

Why Test NSE?

NSE testing helps with the diagnosis and monitoring of small cell lung cancer, where levels often track with tumour burden. It is also used to investigate neuroendocrine tumours like neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma, and to assess nerve cell damage after stroke, cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, or in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. On top of that, it helps evaluate treatment response and disease progression.

What Do High NSE Levels Mean?

Elevated NSE (typically above 12.5 µg/L) is commonly seen in small cell lung cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, or when nerve cells have taken a hit from stroke, trauma, or oxygen deprivation. Very high levels at diagnosis may signal a tougher prognosis in cancer. In neurology, a raised NSE can mean acute injury or worsening degenerative disease.

What Do Low NSE Levels Mean?

Low or normal NSE levels suggest no significant nerve cell damage or tumour-related enolase activity. That is generally good news — but it does not completely rule out disease, especially when tumour burden is low or the tumour type is not a big NSE producer.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Persistent cough or worsening shortness of breath
  • Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
  • Neurological changes like confusion or weakness
  • Headaches or seizures following head trauma
  • Flushing, diarrhoea, or wheezing in neuroendocrine syndromes

Who Should Get Tested?

  • Patients with suspected or confirmed small cell lung cancer
  • Anyone being evaluated for neuroendocrine tumours
  • Patients with neurological symptoms after stroke, cardiac arrest, or brain injury
  • Those on cancer treatment who need to monitor response
  • People with unexplained neurological deterioration

How to Prepare for Your Test

No special prep needed. Bring valid ID to your appointment.

Order Your Blood Test

Test your NSE levels with an accredited Swedish laboratory. Results within days, reviewed by Wellth.

Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) →

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cancer does NSE detect?
NSE is primarily linked to small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumours such as neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and carcinoid tumours. It is not specific to a single cancer type.
Can NSE be elevated without cancer?
Yes. Neurological conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest with brain hypoxia, and certain neurodegenerative diseases can all raise NSE. Hemolysis of the blood sample can also cause falsely elevated results.
How is NSE used in neurology?
In neurology, NSE serves as a marker for nerve cell damage. It helps assess the severity of brain injury after stroke or cardiac arrest and monitor progression in conditions like ALS.
What is the normal reference range for NSE?
Typically below 12.5 µg/L, though it can vary slightly between labs. Values above this threshold call for further evaluation in clinical context.
NW

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Wellth Team

Wellth

Our content is written and reviewed by Wellth, and fact-checked against peer-reviewed research and current Swedish clinical guidelines.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wellth provides health information and testing services but is not a substitute for clinical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or call 1177 Vårdguiden. Blood test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your complete medical history.