Is AFP elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma?
Normal AFP levels are present in as many as 30% of patients at time of diagnosis and usually remain low, even with advanced HCC 39. AFP >400–500 ng/ml is considered diagnostic for HCC, although fewer than half of patients may generate levels that high 39.
Why is alpha fetoprotein elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma?
AFP levels may be elevated because of production by the tumor or by regenerating hepatocytes. Therefore, AFP levels are also frequently elevated in chronic active hepatitis C (levels of 200-300 ng/mL are not uncommon), but in those patients the levels tend to fluctuate and do not progressively increase.
Which tumor marker is elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma?
Serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used tumor marker in detecting patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and has been proven to have capability of prefiguring the prognosis.
Is alpha fetoprotein elevated in cholangiocarcinoma?
A high level of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is typically indicative of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver lesions. In this article, we describe an exceptional case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that occurred in a 36-year-old man with a markedly elevated serum AFP level (12310.7 ng/mL).
How is hepatocellular carcinoma detected?
Tests and procedures used to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma include: Blood tests to measure liver function. Imaging tests, such as CT and MRI. Liver biopsy, in some cases, to remove a sample of liver tissue for laboratory testing.
What does high alpha-fetoprotein tumor marker mean?
High levels of AFP can be a sign of liver cancer or cancer of the ovaries or testicles, as well as noncancerous liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. High AFP levels don’t always mean cancer, and normal levels don’t always rule out cancer.
What does the alpha-fetoprotein test for?
Test Overview An alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test checks the level of AFP in a pregnant woman’s blood. AFP is a substance made in the liver of an unborn baby (fetus). The amount of AFP in the blood of a pregnant woman can help see whether the baby may have such problems as spina bifida and anencephaly.
How do you confirm cholangiocarcinoma?
Imaging tests can help your doctor see your internal organs and look for signs of cholangiocarcinoma. Techniques used to diagnose bile duct cancer include ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).