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AFP Tumor Mark

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Posted 4/22/2011 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
I have a question about this......Does this lab test fluctuate up and down like other labs do at times, or, once it's up, it's up? I never noticed before, but in looking back at my husbands lab from 09, his AFP was 7.8 (H). Less than 6 is normal on his lab sheet. To my knowledge it hasn't been done since, so I have no idea what it is now....His next labs and u/s are due around the first of June. Anyway, not familiar with this so I need some info...

Thanks!

Posted 4/22/2011 5:43 PM (GMT 0)

"Liver damage and certain cancers can increase AFP concentrations significantly. AFP is produced whenever liver cells are regenerating. With chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, AFP may be chronically elevated. Very high concentrations of AFP may be produced by certain tumors. This characteristic makes the AFP test useful as a tumor marker. Increased amounts of AFP are found in many people with a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. They are also found in some people with cancers of the testes and ovaries."

So it doesn't always mean the presence of cancer but should be monitored since cirrhosis can lead to cancer.

Seems like hubby's level is only slightly elevated.  I would still ask for it to be monitored.

Posted 4/22/2011 6:19 PM (GMT 0)

SW, Dany gave you a very good explanation of the AFP value.  In my case, it had jumped from 13 to 31.5 in 6 mos., which was an indication that HCC was present again, and an MRI confirmed it.  Even the 13 was a little higher than it had been since the last tumor treatment and lobectomy.  Since I have cirrhosis and hep C, it hasn't been normal in a very long time.  It was around 7 after the original cancer was eliminated.  As Dany mentioned, it should be monitored, and if it increases he should have an abdominal MRI.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 4/22/2011 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Well, that was the only time he had it done and it was in 09. When he went in for his ultrasound in Aug 10, the GI Doc said he didn't see any tumors....Since he's due to go back in June I'm sure his GI Doc will do it, but I wanted to be able to monitor it along with the rest of his blood work, so I wanted a better understanding of it...

Thanks for the info...that helps!

Posted 4/22/2011 7:11 PM (GMT 0)

I can tell you that they don't order it done routinely...only if one is at high risk for liver cancer or there's suspicion of cancer.  Here's hoping it doesn't come to that with your hubby, but he's increasing his chances by drinking.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 4/22/2011 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
My hubby's GI says that ultrasound and AFP test will be done every 6 months. Between the two, it helps with the false positives/negatives.
Posted 4/22/2011 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Now that you say that, I'm thinking that his GI Doc said from now on he'll have to see him every 6 months for an u/s to check him for liver cancer....I bet that it will be included....Of course I'll know more after June....And Connie, yes, he's still drinking.....he quit for a while and started back again....I know his chances are greatly increased and it saddens me a lot.................

I'll take one appointment at a time......

Thanks again for the info......

Posted 4/22/2011 9:04 PM (GMT 0)

SW, that's what they have been doing with me, too....every 6 mos. an MRI and bloodwork.  Of course, since this tumor is now in the mix, I'm sure they will see me more frequently.  It does sound like your hubby is getting good care.  Too bad he won't do his part.  I know it's not easy for you and my thoughts are with you.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 4/22/2011 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
My AFP is routinely tested when I visit the Liver Clinic. I do not have cirrhosis but I do have Hep C.
Posted 4/23/2011 12:34 AM (GMT 0)

That's because having hep C puts you at risk for liver cancer.  Hepmom, how often are you seen?

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 4/23/2011 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
I am seen every six months at the Liver Clinic. I get bloodwork down at my GP's in between and always get everything I can think of tested then, I just tell the doctor what I would like on the blood request form.
Posted 4/23/2011 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. Sounds like you and they are on track with screening.

Hugs,
Connie
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