MedicineNet.com

About Us|Privacy Policy|Site Map
February 10, 2012

Alpha-fetoprotein Blood Test Index

Featured: Alpha-Fetoprotein Blood Test Main Article

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test is the most widely used biochemical blood tests. High levels of AFP in the blood are seen in three situations; HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma, cancer of the testes or ovaries, and liver cancer.

Doctor's & Expert's Views

Procedures & Tests

Tools & References

Glossary



Terms related to Alpha-fetoprotein Blood Test:

  • AFP Blood Test


MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Alpha-Fetoprotein Blood Test by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Liver Cancer
      • Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year as a result. Patients with associated cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C infections, alcohol, and hemochromatosis are at the greatest risk of developing liver cancer. Many patients with liver cancer do not develop symptoms until the advanced stages of the tumor which usually makes prognosis poor. The combination of an imaging study (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) and an elevated blood level of alpha-fetoprotein will most effectively diagnose liver cancer, while a liver biopsy can make a definitive diagnosis. Medical treatments, including chemotherapy, chemoembolization, ablation, and proton beam therapy, are not very effective. Surgical removal of the tumor or a liver transplant may be most effective in certain cases.
  • Medications

  • Procedures & Tests

  • Pictures, Images & Illustrations

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

  • Health News

  • Health Features

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.



Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain




Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies