Chromogranin A is a protein secreted by neuroendocrine cells. Its dosage allows the detection of tumor affecting these cells. What is the normal level of this protein? When should a dosage be taken? How to interpret the results? Explanations.
What is chromogranin A?
Chromogranin A is a protein, released into the blood by neuroendocrine cells. “The latter, who sit in different bodies, have the function of secrete hormones, including gastrin, glucagon, catecholamines…”explains Dr. Monique Quillard, general practitioner.
Why do a chromogranin A assay?
These neuroendocrine cells can be the site of many tumors, benign and malignant. “They are commonly found in the pancreas, lungs, small intestine, large intestine (colon), skin, breast, kidneys, thyroid gland and reproductive organssays Dr. Quillard. When they develop, they secrete more chromogranin A. The blood test for this protein is used as a tumor marker, making it possible to determine the existence of neuroendocrine tumors“. It is also used for monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect tumor recurrence
What is the normal level of chromogranin A?
It is located between 27 and 94 ng/ml of blood, the median value being 44 ng/ml.
What does a high level of chromogranin A mean?
A high level of chromogranin A may be a sign of a tneuroendocrine tumor, but does not make it possible to determine the type or its location. Further examinations will be necessary. “It can also be bred in the Biermer’s disease (vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, malabsorption in the stomach), says Dr. Quillard. Attention, a false positive can occur if a person takes a type of medicine called proton pump inhibitors.”
What does low chromogranin A mean?
“A low rate has no no meaningbecause the rate can be very different from one patient to another depending on factors such as age“, explains the doctor.
There can be two main causes:
► If the concentration of Chromogranin A is high before the start of treatment and decreases thereafter, this means that the therapeutic protocol was effective.
► If Chromogranin A values tend to increase during patient follow-up, it is likely that the tumor reappears.
Thanks to Dr. Monique Quillard, general practitioner.