Alpha Fetoprotein question

[WonderingAB]

Testicular cancer 1987 followed by 5 weeks of radiation, All follow up AFP test were fine. Now, 21 years later, I get an AFP score of 11 ng/mL. the range on the report shows normal 0-6. I have read elsewhere that under 10 is sometimes considered normal. Ultrasound last week showed normal
Question: is 11 really high?
Further, I have had abdominal pains(mostly left side but does extend to right sight- often front and back)  lately; going in Tuesday for for laproscopic procedure to explore possible internal hernia(s) following a 2003 gastric bypass procesure for weight loss.
Thoughts? Ideas?
Thanks.

[Ketan K Badani]

Surveillance after testicular cancer depends on the type of testicular cancer you had (seminoma versus non-seminoma).  Usually the surveillance includes interval CT scans, AFP, HCG, and LDH blood test along with physical exam.  The type of testis cancer that makes AFP is usually a Yolk sac tumor.  A reading of 5.2 is within the normal range, and this value can vary from day to day, week to week.  If the bloods are normal, and the CT of your lymph nodes are normal, then you should plan your next round of surveillance with your doctor in anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

[WonderingAB]

Subsequent results:
Rerun of AFP test (3 weeks after original test) results were 5.2 (lowered from 11).
CT scan was fine with a possible small (1.5CM) cyst on right kidney.
Everything else on CT was fine (according to radiologist and my urologist).
I was operated on for internal hernia on 7/16 resulting from bariatric bypass surgery in 2003.
Thanks again for your insights.