What does a high AFP 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.
Is alpha-fetoprotein a tumor marker?
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used as a tumor marker to help detect and diagnose cancers of the liver, testicles, and ovaries.
What conditions does alpha-fetoprotein test for?
What is it used for? An AFP blood test is used during pregnancy to check the baby’s risk of birth defects and genetic disorders, such as neural tube defects or Down syndrome. The test does not diagnose any health conditions.
What is the normal range for an AFP tumor marker?
An AFP level between 10 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL is normal for adults. An extremely high level of AFP in your blood—greater than 400 ng/mL—could be a sign of liver tumors. High levels of AFP may mean other cancers, including Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).
How accurate is the alpha-fetoprotein test?
AFP had high overall accuracy, with a c-statistic of 0.87 (95%CI 0.85 – 0.89). Most importantly, we found that patient characteristics influenced the performance of AFP and could be used to define subgroups in whom it performed particularly well.
What is considered high alpha-fetoprotein level?
What causes elevated alpha-fetoprotein?
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced primarily by the liver in a developing baby (fetus). AFP levels are normally elevated when a baby is born and then decline rapidly. Outside of pregnancy and birth, liver damage and certain cancers can increase AFP levels significantly.
What else can cause tumor markers to rise?
Guide to Tumor Markers Used in Cancer
| Tumor Marker | |
|---|---|
| Blood test (blood serum marker), except where noted. | |
| Non-Cancerous Reasons for Elevated Levels | Cigarette smoking, pancreatitis, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease, hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, COPD, biliary obstruction |
What causes high levels of alpha fetoprotein?
Hepatocellular carcinoma
What are elevated tumor markers?
Tumor marker levels can be elevated in people with benign conditions.
What is the normal range for AFP?
What is the normal range for an AFP tumor marker? An AFP level between 10 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL is normal for adults. An extremely high level of AFP in your blood—greater than 400 ng/mL—could be a sign of liver tumors. High levels of AFP may mean other cancers, including Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).
What is an elevated tumor marker?
Tumor markers are substances found in the blood. Tumor marker levels may be higher when there is cancer in the body. They are not very “specific,” meaning non-cancer health issues can also cause these levels to be higher. They must be used along with radiology tests and exams by your healthcare provider.