AFP (Tumor Marker) details

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein normally produced by a developing fetus's liver and yolk sac, and by the adult liver only in trace amounts. In adults, AFP is used mainly as a tumor marker to help detect and monitor treatment response in liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and certain germ cell tumors of the testes or ovaries. It's also measured during pregnancy (usually as part of a broader prenatal screening panel) to help assess risk for certain fetal conditions, including neural tube defects and some chromosomal abnormalities. Because AFP can also rise with non-cancerous liver conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis, an elevated result outside of pregnancy is typically followed up with imaging and other tests rather than used alone to diagnose cancer.