Is an alpha-fetoprotein level of 18 μg/L severe?
Dec 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, whether an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 18 μg/L is serious needs to be evaluated based on specific circumstances and cannot be generalized. In daily life, avoid alcohol consumption, reduce intake of smoked or charred foods, maintain regular sleep patterns, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, follow medical advice for regular re-examinations of relevant indicators, and dynamically monitor your health status.
Generally speaking, whether an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test result of 18 μg/L is serious needs to be analyzed based on specific circumstances and cannot be generalized. The detailed analysis is as follows:
An AFP level of 18 μg/L falls within the normal range for most testing methods. If there are no symptoms such as liver discomfort or jaundice, and if liver function tests, liver ultrasound, and other examinations are all normal, along with no family history of liver cancer or chronic liver disease, the condition is usually not serious. This situation typically reflects a normal physiological state, and there is no need for excessive anxiety—regular routine physical exams are sufficient.
However, if one already has chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other liver diseases, or has recently experienced sudden weight loss, decreased appetite, or similar symptoms, even an AFP value within the normal range should raise caution. In some patients with early-stage liver cancer or germ cell tumors, AFP levels may only show mild fluctuations initially, necessitating further evaluation through tests such as viral load measurements and contrast-enhanced CT scans.
In daily life, it is advisable to avoid alcohol, reduce consumption of smoked or charred foods, maintain regular sleep patterns, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and follow medical advice for regular re-examinations of relevant indicators to dynamically monitor health status.
