AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is one of the specific and highly sensitive tumor markers for liver malignancy. However, elevated AFP does not necessarily indicate liver cancer, but is also based on the results of abdominal ultrasound, CT, MRI and a combination of symptomatic manifestations and physical examination. high or low AFP can indicate regeneration of hepatocytes, as well as some diseases of germ cells.
Common diseases such as neoplastic diseases, liver cancer, malignant tumors of the reproductive system (ovarian cancer, spermatocellular carcinoma, etc.), mild elevations are also seen in people with chronic viral hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and during pregnancy. The normal is less than 20ug/l.
If AFP reaches 3020, consider the elevation significant and the likelihood of primary liver cancer high. The patient needs to be seen in the hepatobiliary surgery department as soon as possible to perform a systematic examination to assess the patient’s physical condition and choose treatment such as surgery, intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy based on the findings.
Before the examination, it is important to abstain from eating and drinking for 12 hours, not to overeat the day before, not to drink alcohol, and not to eat overly greasy food.