Is the alpha-fetoprotein level high in early small liver cancer?

Small hepatocellular carcinoma generally refers to the early stage of liver cancer. The patient's alpha-fetoprotein level may be elevated, but this is not the case for all patients.

AFP is a type of protein that is usually produced during fetal development and gradually decreases after birth. In adults, AFP levels are usually very low or undetectable. Patients with early small hepatocellular carcinoma lack obvious clinical symptoms. If the patient already has liver disease, they may experience symptoms such as liver pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, weight loss, and progressive liver enlargement. Patients with early small hepatocellular carcinoma may have elevated AFP. Generally speaking, when the AFP test result exceeds 400μg/L and persists for 4 weeks or more, liver cancer may be highly suspected, but not all patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma will have elevated AFP.

Patients should develop good eating habits and avoid eating moldy food to prevent aflatoxin in their bodies, which can cause abnormal proliferation of liver cells. They should also strictly abstain from alcohol to reduce the stimulation of alcohol on liver cells, reduce liver damage, and delay the progression of the disease. In addition, patients can also exercise appropriately to increase fat consumption and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. If there are any discomfort symptoms, they should seek medical attention in time.