Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced mainly by the liver when the body is still in its infancy or in the presence of liver damage such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. This property makes the AFP test useful as a tumor marker. Therefore, the information below may be useful for patients with chronic liver damage, knowing one more tool for early detection of this malignant complication.

Hello doctor! Yes, sir, can I ask for the AFP test result 12.5 ng/dl but the liver enzymes are normal, anti HBS 102 U/l hepatitis C is also normal, what's wrong? Thank you doctor!

AFP is a test used as a marker to support the diagnosis of liver cancer and germ cell cancer in non-pregnant people and used in prenatal screening tests (Triple test) in pregnant women to assess the risk of abnormalities in chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 for the fetus.

Liver cancer is the most common cancer, ranking 5th in men and 7th in women. Early detection is highly effective in treatment. Ultrasound and Tumor markers recommended for screening for early detection of liver cancer are now available, including AFP, PIVKAII (DCP) and AFP-L3. The following article summarizes the meaning and usage of these tests.