Description
Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker - blood test is used to determine Alpha-Fetoprotein (also known as AFP or a-Fetoprotein) levels. AFP levels are often elevated above values found in healthy individuals in cases of several malignant diseases, most notably nonseminomatous testicular cancer and primary hepatocellular carcinoma or liver damage. There is no correlation between the AFP concentration and tumor size, tumor growth, stage, or degree of malignancy that has so far been demonstrated.
Greatly elevated AFP values generally indicate serious liver issues. As the AFP values rise during regeneration of the liver, moderately elevated values are found in alcohol-mediated liver cirrhosis and acute viral hepatitis as well as in carriers of hepatitis B. AFP is not recommended as a screening procedure to detect cancer in the general population.
