Alpha Fetoprotein Tumor Marker Test

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used as a tumor marker to help detect and diagnose cancers of the liver, testicles, and ovaries.AFP is normally made by a fetus's liver and yolk sac. It's the main protein during the first three months of development. AFP decreases largely by the time a person reaches age one and is ideally found in adults in very low levels. AFP is found mainly in liver cancer and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, which are rare. These are found in the pineal gland in the brain.This test may be needed if your doctor suspects you have liver cancer, testicular cancer, or cancers of the brain, mediastinum, or blood.

The blood will be taken from your arm. So it is advisable to wear a something with short sleeves, sleeves of which can be rolled up easily. You do not need to fast or alter your diet before AFP test, until and unless specifically instructed by your doctor to do so. You can eat, drink normally. Make sure you tell your doctor about any specific medication you are taking. Always follow specific instructions given to you by lab.

Increased AFP levels may indicate the presence of cancer, most commonly liver cancer, cancer of the ovary, or germ cell tumor of the testicles. However, not every liver, ovarian, or testicular cancer produces significant quantities of AFP. This is just indicative. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels may be elevated in association with a variety of malignancies or benign diseases. Failure of the AFP value to return to normal by approximately 1 month after surgery suggests the presence of residual tumor. Elevation of AFP after remission suggests tumor recurrence; however, tumors originally producing AFP may recur without an increase in AFP.

Few milliliters say; one to two teaspoons of a blood sample would be obtained directly from you. As elastic band will be wrapped around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood and make the veins visible. Area of skin where needle is to be inserted will be cleaned using alcohol Needle will be injected in the vein which is visible. A tube will be attached to the needle to fill it with blood, and blood will be transferred to vessel labeled with your name A gauze pad or cotton ball will be put over the needle site as the needle is removed. If skin swells apply warm press to the needle site.