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alphafeto-protein > 20ng/ml ?

I have had slowly elevating alphafeto-protein for the past decade. On the most recent result I got it was at an all time high of 21.4 ng/ml. I know that this is in same cases indicative of cancer, and in other cases it can be explained as an exacerbation of the disease and increased liver necrosis.

However, I'm not able to find much information about this online (and doctors and even specialists tend to be hopeless, at least in my country).

I was wondering, does anyone have any knowledge or experience with elevated alphafeto-protein and its meaning?
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Avatar universal
Unfortunately there is no definite marker or test to confirm liver cancer except clinical assessment at late stages. Hepatocarcinomas are also seen in patients with normal AFPs. But still elevated afp is a potential threat. Don't waste time and get it confirmed and surgically removed to avoid big complications later. I hope u r taking antiviral? It is very sad for us that people taking antiviral are still developing complications. How old are u?
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In my country (India) u can easily get biopsy done. Treatment here is very easy and need only a little persuance to the doctor. U can come and see here in regarding Ur liver status. Some standard institutes are ILBS N.Delhi and Asian institute of gastroenterology somewhere in south India probably Chennai or Hyderabad.
Also there are very good hepatologists practicing in Pvt clinics and hospitals. If u have money then u can also try Medanta the medicity near Delhi.
Biopsy is always definitive and MRI is only predictive. Ur lesions may be hemangiomas or may not be.
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On your place I would take an MRI of the liver every 6 months to monitor your liver for early signs of cancer...
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Avatar universal
AFP is Elevated in liver pathology as well as many other conditions like testicular cancer.
In humans it's exact function is unknown but used as a marker for these conditions.
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Yes. Considering that I have chronic hepatitis b I don't think I have it due to testicular cancer. What I want to know is why mine is elevated.

I had an MRI and I don't have cancer yet. From what I've read this level of AFP does suggest that the patient has a 98% chance of developing HCC within 5 years, so I'm guessing that the AFP is being made by pre-cancerous cells.

I'd like to hear anybody else's opinion on this.
Yes u may b correct. It might be released from precancerous cells. AFP is released from immature liver cells in fetal stage.. cancerous or precancerous liver cells are similarly immature cells. Can't say much about it but would suggest u to go for liver biopsy to exactly know the current cellular status of ur liver.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. What you said makes sense.

Unfortunately in my country I can't get a biopsy without a referral, and it's hard to get a referral for anything here as the specialists etc don't seem to take anything very seriously unless it's AFP in the hundreds, or cirrhosis or something like that.

Is it different in your country? I can travel if there's better medical treatment elsewhere.
Something else I'd like your opinion on if possible please: I do have some masses in my liver, I had an MRI. They consider them to be benign haemangiomas. I don't think they are taking the AFP levels into account when they say this though. Would you think there's any chance of them mistaking them as benign? They have been there for a few years at least.
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