AFP- Liver & Testis Cancer Test

Question 1. What is AFP

AFP stands for Alpha-Feto-Protein. Liver produces this small protein molecule normally in very small amounts and is barely detected in bloods. Patients with liver cancer or hepatoma produce excess amounts of AFP and this overflow into peripheral blood can be detected using antibody against AFP. AFP can be measured to diagnose hepatoma or monitor effect treatment or recurrence following treatment. In addition, AFP is also used to diagnose and monitor so called ‘germ cell tumors’ of testis and ovary.

 Question 2. When can I request AFP testing?

If you have any of these symptoms or complaints, you should have your AFP levels checked.

Liver Cancer:

Suspect Liver disease

Right-sided abdominal

Lower right rib margin or Right-upper quadrant, RUQ pain

Epigastric Pain

Jaundiced

Heavy alcohol user

Unexplained recent weight loss

Changes dietary habits e.g. Loss of appetite

Abdominal fullness

Abdominal Mass, swelling or lump

Bilateral ankle or leg swelling

Chronic cough and progressive breathlessness

Ovary or Testicular Cancer

Abdominal Pain

Recent unexplained weight loss

Appetite changes

Testicular mass

Testicular Pain or discomfort

Abdominal swelling or mass

Abdominal fullness

 Question 3. How is AFP Tested?

AFP is measured on a small sample of blood. Specific antibody is used to trap AFP from serum and level is quantified and reported. For most patients only one tube of blood is needed for all the tests. Fasting is not needed and no special preparation is required prior to sample collection

 Question 4. How good is AFP?

AFP results are interpreted together with findings on exam by your doctor and other medical tests.

 Question 5. Can I request AFP to screen for liver cancer?

No. AFP is not useful test for screening for liver cancer in someone without complaints. It is used for assisting clinical diagnosis, but most useful in monitoring response to treatment and detecting early recurrence after treatment