What do high levels of alpha-fetoprotein mean?
1. Liver Disease: High AFP levels are commonly associated with liver damage or disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver cancer. AFP is produced by the liver, and when the liver is damaged, increased amounts of AFP may leak into the bloodstream.
2. Germ Cell Tumors: Elevated AFP levels can be a marker for certain types of germ cell tumors, which are tumors that originate in the reproductive cells. These tumors can occur in both men and women and include testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and some types of extragonadal germ cell tumors.
3. Neural Tube Defects (NTDs): High AFP levels during pregnancy may indicate the presence of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. NTDs are birth defects that affect the brain, spinal cord, or their protective coverings. AFP screening is routinely performed during pregnancy to assess the risk of NTDs, along with other markers and ultrasound findings.
4. Yolk Sac Tumors: AFP is produced by the yolk sac during fetal development. In some cases, yolk sac tumors, which are rare tumors that can occur in infants and children, may also cause elevated AFP levels.
5. Hepatoblastoma: This is a rare type of liver cancer that occurs mainly in children. High levels of AFP are often associated with hepatoblastoma.
It is important to note that elevated AFP levels alone do not provide a definitive diagnosis. Further medical evaluation, including additional tests, imaging studies, and consultations with healthcare professionals, are necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.