Alpha fetoprotein

Category:

Alpha-fetoprotein

Description

This test serves to monitor results of treatment for liver, testes or ovaries cancer.

AFP is a protein produced by tumors and by fetal tissue.

High AFP concentrations are found on testes and ovaries, cancer and on hepatocellular carcinoma. This cancer is usually developed by people with chronic damage of the liver, called cirrhosis.  This is mostly caused by chronic infection from hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Alcohol also increases the risk of cirrhosis

There are different AFP types that are measured on the same test: Total AFP test.

Another different test is AFP-L3% test.   It compares the ratio between total AFP and an important variant of AFP called L3.  A high L3 concentration is related to risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Tests are performed by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.

Purpose of the test

AFP tests are used to detect tumors on the liver, testes, and ovaries.

They are prescribed in patients with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B, due to their increased risk o developing these types of cancers.

An AFP test tries to detect liver cancer at its earliest stages. Also it serves to monitor evolution of disease with therapy.

An AFP-L3% test may be ordered to determine the risk of patients with chronic liver disease developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Reference range values (North America)

0.6 - 6.6 mcg/L

Abnormal findings

High AFP levels can mean:

·         liver, testes or ovary cancer

·         cirrhosis, hepatitis

·         stomach, colon, lung or breast cancers or lymphoma

High AFP and L3% levels in a patient with chronic liver disease means an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in less than two years.

Higher the AFP level in patients with cancer, bigger the tumor.

AFP levels are higher also in pregnant women and in newborns.