AFP is a glycoprotein with the abbreviation AFP. The normal value is ≤25 μg/L for either radioimmunoelectrophoresis or enzyme-linked immunoassay, and ≤20 μg/L for radioimmunoassay.
AFP is a tumor marker with relatively high specificity for primary liver cancer. However, it is not always the case that elevated fetoprotein means liver cancer. For example, methemoglobin can be elevated in pregnant women during pregnancy. Some patients with cirrhosis have persistently high fetoprotein for several years, but no cancer has occurred. Some patients with acute or chronic hepatitis, post-hepatitis cirrhosis, or cancers of the digestive tract, such as pancreatic cancer or gastric cancer, can also cause elevated AFP. Furthermore, it depends on the degree of elevation. Generally speaking, 25-400μg/L is a low level of positive. Higher than 400μg/L is considered a high level. If there is a persistent, high level of elevated fetoprotein, be on high alert for the possibility of liver cancer.
Fetoprotein can be used for early screening and diagnosis in patients with liver cancer, especially in patients with hepatitis B and cirrhosis, who should have their fetoprotein retested regularly. This group has a higher chance of developing cancer. Therefore, it is important to check methotrexate and ultrasound of liver and gallbladder regularly. Tumors are detected and treated as early as possible.