Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels - When are you in trouble?

[ChrisDDD]

I researched this before I posted this question, but can't find any real answer.  My last AFP marker was 18.3, in December '06.  My doc reported it as normal in '05, though my memory is it's been consistently elevated for a while.  He doesn't seem concerned about it.  When does this number mean you have cancer, or does it, or have I arrrrived?  Sorry.  Feeling sarcastic today.

[cc4mickey]

Normal ranges are for people without Hep.It is considered normal for people with Hep to have elevated AFP levels because of the virus.My test came back at 40 several of months ago.I had an MRI and all so far is good..It seems that Dr's only get concerned when test elevates each time tested.And is in the hundreds range...Keeps us on our toes..Not a fun game.
CC

[cantlivenotknowing]

For what it's worth, I recently had a AFP test which came back at 3.1 with an upper limit on that test of 7.5. So I went and did a lot of looking around online. Wat I have gathered is that AFP is normally not detectable and if it is then normally it would be below 2. I think I read on www.pubmed.gov whihc has good info on research or it could have been somewhere else that once AFP goes over 7, then a good dr. will start to serially monitor the patient for cancer. I also came across something which indicated that tumors can be detected within the 2 cm. range when they can still be resected once AFP reaches 20. You may want to search pubmed and see what else you can find out.    

[ChrisDDD]

Thanks so much!  I am greatly relieved.  That's all I need, is more stress.  My doctor's not being concerned about it is consistent with it not being a big deal.  My annual ultrasound continues to show normal-sized liver, no enlargement.

GoofyDad, I am still trying to stop laughing about your tongue depressor joke!  Oh, my god!  Where did you come up with that?  I'm going to tell my husband about it tonight.  He'll laugh his a*s off, too!

[GoofyDad]

Wonder why they do it if they can never rely on it alone

Cheap and easy, and gives *some* indication. Like looking down the throat with a tongue depressor won't predict the next Linda Lovelace, but it screens for potential. Or something like that.

[Harry Potter]

I thought I had read somewhere that over 500n/g is indicative of liver cancer.  My own AFP was 20.9 at the start, and came down to 18.9 a couple months later.  I'm having it checked again on Fri, and will see a specialist after that.  My lab work indicates though a normal range (for men) is 0 to 15 n/g.  I guess each lab has different standards for what is considered "normal" range.

[GrandOak]

10 is the upper end of normal range.  AFP if HCC is present is quite high I understand (100+).

[foofighter]

I found this..it was in response to a question from someone who had fluctuations that went from 14 to 17ng/ml and was concerned:

Variation in AFP measurements from lab to lab is nothing unique. This is true for almost any laboratory. Each lab needs to standardize their own laboratory range for normal and abnormal.

Furthermore, real concerns regarding hepatoma (liver cancer) arise usually when levels are greater than 300 and greater - not just a shade above normal.

Furhtermore, AFP is a poor tumor marker because it can be normal in patients with tumors so it has a low sensitivity.

http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Hepatitis/Archive/HepBtest/Q165370.html

Greater than 300. Yikes!

And not a good predictor. Wonder why they do it if they can never rely on it alone. From what I have read it should always be in combination with an ultrasound for those at risk.

[Pdilly]

Sorry I don't know much about it really. I did google on it and the information is very sketchy.  Maybe someone else will chime in that knows something more.