What does it mean if alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are high?
Jun 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels may be caused by pregnancy, acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, primary liver cancer, ovarian cancer, or other conditions. Patients should promptly visit a reputable hospital to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows: if any physical discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Please note the situation of elevated AFP levels.
Generally, elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels may be caused by pregnancy, acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, primary liver cancer, ovarian cancer, and other conditions. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation at a reputable hospital to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the fetal liver and yolk sac produce large amounts of AFP, which enters the maternal bloodstream through the umbilical cord, causing elevated AFP levels in pregnant women. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that typically resolves gradually after delivery. Usually, no special treatment is required.
2. Acute or Chronic Hepatitis
During hepatitis flare-ups, liver cells are damaged. During the process of repair and regeneration, some liver cells regain the ability to synthesize AFP. As the condition improves, AFP levels also decline. Treatment may include medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, lamivudine tablets, and bicyclol tablets, as directed by a physician.
3. Cirrhosis
In cirrhosis, the normal liver structure is disrupted, and compensatory proliferation of liver cells occurs. These proliferating cells can secrete AFP, leading to elevated blood levels, although the increase is usually less pronounced than in liver cancer. Treatment may include medications such as vitamin B complex tablets, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and entecavir capsules, as directed by a physician.
4. Primary Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma cells are poorly differentiated and highly proliferative, similar to fetal liver cells, enabling them to synthesize and release large amounts of AFP into the bloodstream, a major cause of elevated AFP levels. Partial hepatectomy may be required under medical supervision.
5. Ovarian Cancer
Certain ovarian cancers, such as endodermal sinus tumors, originate from primitive germ cells and retain the ability to synthesize AFP. Tumor cells continuously secrete AFP, resulting in elevated blood levels. Cytoreductive surgery may be required under medical supervision.
For cases of elevated AFP, a thorough medical evaluation should be conducted to determine the specific cause, and an individualized treatment plan should be developed based on diagnostic findings.
