Is an alpha-fetoprotein level of 11.3 μg/L serious?
Generally, an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 11.3 μg/L is not considered serious, as the normal reference value for AFP is less than 25 μg/L. The details are as follows:
Alpha-fetoprotein is a type of serum glycoprotein. Clinically, AFP serves as an important marker for detecting the presence of primary liver cancer. Under normal circumstances, AFP levels in the human body are very low. However, if hepatocytes or embryonic tissue of the germ glands undergo malignant transformation, the concentration of AFP in the blood may significantly increase. Therefore, monitoring AFP levels has high diagnostic value for hepatocellular carcinoma and trophoblastic tumors.
The normal range for AFP is less than 25 μg/L. If a patient's AFP level exceeds 25 μg/L, it may indicate conditions such as liver cancer, hepatitis, lung cancer, or pancreatic cancer. It is recommended that patients get adequate rest and avoid fatigue. Additionally, they should maintain a light diet, avoid overeating, refrain from alcohol consumption, and avoid high-fat, greasy foods such as fatty meats, animal organs, fried foods, fish eggs, shrimp, crab, butter, pizza, and hamburgers. It is important to note that if symptoms are severe or persist for a prolonged period, patients should seek medical attention promptly for further diagnosis and treatment to prevent disease progression.