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| AFP
Test |
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Alpha-fetoprotein, serum |
| This is a 70-kDa glyco-protein synthesized in liver,
yolk sac, certain germ-cell tumors, and the GI tract of the
developing fetus. It is a component of the "triple test" often
performed early in a pregnancy in order to ascertain the
risk of certain birth defects. It is a marker useful in helping
to determine the nature of some liver tumors; and it can be used
for post-treatment follow-up of germ-cell tumors (particularly
of the testicle) which had an elevated AFP level at the time of
initial diagnosis. prenatal OB monitoring |
Conditions causing ELEVATIONS of this marker:
- pregnancy: about 75% of neural-tube defects (such as spina
bifida), about 60% of Down's syndrome, and about 80% of trisomy
18...[there can be "false positives"]
- mediastinal, testicular, and other locations of germ cell malignancies
having an adenocarcinomatous component
- hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma) of the liver
- cirrhosis and other liver diseases undergoing some regenerative
activity
- congenital tyrosinemia
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Situations wherein the level is not elevated:
- some of the above birth defects don't elevate
- many germ cell tumors don't elevate
- not all hepatomas elevate AFP
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Synonyms:
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| (posted 9 March 2008) |
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1999 - 2006, all rights reserved, Pathology Associates Of Lexington,
P.A. |
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