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!

I went for an ultrasound and found a small blood tumor in my liver. The doctor asked me if I have a hemangioma in the liver, what medicine should I take?

There is a very small amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the human body. But when you have liver disease or are pregnant, this substance will appear more in the blood. The content of the article below will help you better understand the meaning of the AFP test.

Liver cancer screening to detect early signs of the disease is highly recommended, especially for those at high risk of developing liver cancer. One of the important tests that contributes to screening and early diagnosis of liver cancer is the AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) test.

Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer death. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States has doubled over the past 25 years, largely due to the increasing prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection. When diagnosed early, hepatocellular carcinoma can be cured with liver transplantation or surgical resection.

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Nong Ngoc Son - Chemotherapy and palliative treatment - Oncology Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.