How much does alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) typically increase in early-stage liver cancer?
Nov 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Dong
Introduction
In general, there is no specific value for how much alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) increases in typical early-stage liver cancer. However, in early liver cancer, AFP levels usually show a significant elevation, typically exceeding 200 μg/L, and remain elevated for a prolonged period. Alpha-fetoprotein is a type of glycoprotein primarily synthesized by fetal hepatocytes and the yolk sac. Under normal circumstances, AFP levels do not exceed 20 ng/mL.
In general, there is no specific value indicating how much alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) increases in typical early-stage liver cancer. However, AFP levels usually show a significant elevation in early liver cancer, commonly exceeding 200 μg/L, and remain elevated for a prolonged period. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Alpha-fetoprotein is a type of glycoprotein primarily synthesized by fetal hepatocytes and the yolk sac. Under normal circumstances, AFP levels do not exceed 20 ng/mL. In early-stage liver cancer, due to destruction of liver cells and subsequent regeneration and proliferation, AFP concentrations rise. In early liver cancer, AFP levels typically exceed 200 μg/L and remain elevated for 1–2 months. However, elevated AFP alone cannot be used definitively to diagnose early liver cancer. Therefore, imaging studies performed by a physician are also necessary. If a liver mass is detected and at least one typical feature of liver cancer appears on ultrasound, CT, or MRI, early liver cancer may be present.
If AFP elevation is detected, timely medical evaluation is essential to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
