A patient is suspected of having an ovarian carcinoid tumor.Which test would be most appropriate for confirming this suspicion?
A)Homovanillic acid (HVA)
B)5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)
C)Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid
D)Hexosaminidase A and B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is a product of serotonin metabolism, and ovarian carcinoid tumors can secrete serotonin. Therefore, measuring serum or urine levels of 5-HIAA can be a useful test in confirming the suspicion of an ovarian carcinoid tumor. The other options listed are not specific for ovarian carcinoid tumors. HVA is a metabolite of dopamine and can be elevated in neuroendocrine tumors, but it is not specific for ovarian carcinoids. Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are markers of vitamin B12 deficiency, and hexosaminidase A and B are enzymes used in the diagnosis of Tay-Sachs disease.

A Patient Is Suspected of Having an Ovarian Carcinoid Tumor