hep c

[linda880]

I had an afp done and it came back moderately
high 114.8.  I do not have cirhossis.  Should
I be worried and has anyone else had this experience and didn't have any tumors in the liver.  My ultrasound was negative on Feb. 2, 2011

[linda880]

Thanks for the info. I see my hepatologist on may 31st.  I have read quite abit about
afp marker and hep c. It also mentions that afp can rise with inflamation and cell regeneration.  I am a medical technologist and sometimes a little knowledge can be dangerous especially when it pertains to yourself.  I hope to start treatment asap,
and telaprevir should be fda approved tomorrow.  Starting treatment depends on how long they take to make it available in pharmacies.  I also read that sometimes tumors can be missed thru ultrasounds as they are operative dependent.  I guess i will find out more when i see my doctor.

[HectorSF]

Hi Linda.

An AFP is not diagnostic itself of liver cancer (HCC). It is only about 60% accurate in diagnosing HCC. That is why it is used in conjunction with imaging (ie ultrasound, CT scan) to diagnose HCC. You seems to understand a lot because you mention you don't have cirrhosis, and you had an ultra sound. The chances of having HCC without cirrhosis is the same as the general population.

Chronic hepatitis C is known to increase AFP levels so what you are experiencing is quite common. For AFP to be worrisome it will increase over time or go above 500. It appears your doctor understands this because she/he did both the AFP and imaging at the same time.

Thanks for providing all the information needed to understand your concern.

You have nothing to worry about. Please discuss this with your doctor during your next visit to reassure yourself.

Best -
Hectorsf

[spectda]

Good to hear that you ultrasound was negative. Are you seeing a hepatologist?

http://www.medicinenet.com/alpha-fetoprotein_blood_test/page2.htm

"Several assays (tests) for measuring AFP are available. Generally, normal levels of AFP are below 10 ng/ml. Moderate levels of AFP (even almost up to 500 ng/ml) can be seen in patients with chronic hepatitis. Moreover, many patients with various types of acute and chronic liver diseases without documentable liver cancer can have mild or even moderate elevations of AFP."

- Dave