Alpha Feto Protein, Tumour Marker

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), as the name suggests is a protein produced primarily by the liver in a developing baby (fetus). AFP levels are normally high during fetal life and then decline rapidly. In adults, raised serum AFP levels are seen either during pregnancy or in conjunction with several malignant diseases. Since the AFP levels are raised during pregnancy, the use of AFP as a tumor marker is not recommended in pregnant females.

In non-pregnant individuals, liver damage, and certain cancers can increase AFP levels significantly. This property of being on the higher side in cancerous lesions makes an Alpha Feto Protein, Tumour Marker test useful as a tumor marker test. Elevated levels of AFP are most commonly found in individuals with the most common type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma and in cancer of the testes (non-seminomatous). It is also raised in a rare type of liver cancer in infants called hepatoblastoma.

AFP may be elevated in non-cancerous conditions like liver diseases, such as hepatitis (acute viral hepatitis and chronic active hepatitis) and cirrhosis. Doctors usually recommend an Alpha Feto Protein, Tumour Marker test if an individual is suffering from conditions like liver cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, chronic hepatitis, etc. This test is also performed if an individual has been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma or AFP-producing testicular cancer to help monitor your response to therapy and monitor for cancer recurrence.

No special preparation is required before undergoing an Alpha Feto Protein, Tumour Marker test. However, it is important to provide a brief clinical history or doctor's prescription at the time of sample collection. Also, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking as certain medications can potentially affect the AFP levels.

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. When serial/repeat testing is being done, it is advisable to get tested from the same lab as test values may vary depending on the assay method used. All values should be correlated with clinical findings and results of other investigations.

Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. Doctors use an Alpha Feto Protein, Tumour Marker test not only for diagnostic purposes but also for monitoring cancer progression, assessing treatment response, and detecting potential cancer recurrence. While monitoring for cancer therapy, low concentrations of AFP are not necessarily indicative of the absence of disease.