Is it a big deal if the alpha-fetoprotein is 500? Don't be too nervous, it may not be liver cancer

Alpha-fetoprotein is a very common item in the physical examination report, but some people say that an alpha-fetoprotein level above 500 will cause cancer. In fact, this statement is wrong. There is no need to be overly nervous if the alpha-fetoprotein level is above 500, and it cannot be determined that you have liver cancer. This situation may also be caused by endocrine disorders, and other related examinations are needed to get a more accurate answer.

AFP is a tumor marker, which is an auxiliary indicator for diagnosing tumors. However, the simple increase of tumor markers cannot confirm the presence of tumors, so the simple increase of AFP cannot be said to be liver cancer. This also needs to be combined with imaging examinations, such as liver and gallbladder color Doppler ultrasound examination, CT and enhanced CT examination. If the image does not find a tumor, liver cancer is not considered and regular review is required.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein belonging to the albumin family. It is mainly synthesized by fetal liver cells and yolk sac. AFP has a high concentration in the fetal blood circulation, which decreases after birth. By 2 to 3 months after birth, AFP is basically replaced by albumin. It is difficult to detect in the blood, so its content in adult serum is extremely low. AFP has many important physiological functions, including transportation function, bidirectional regulation function as a growth regulator, immunosuppression, and T lymphocyte induction of apoptosis. AFP is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver cancer and various tumors. It can be found in high concentrations in many tumors and can be used as a positive detection indicator for many tumors. At present, it is mainly used as a serum marker for primary liver cancer in clinical practice, and is used for the diagnosis and efficacy monitoring of primary liver cancer.
Alpha-fetoprotein is a commonly used tumor marker for screening liver cancer. It can also represent the regeneration of liver cells and some diseases of the reproductive system. The normal range is between 0 and 20. The current reference value range should be within the normal range and does not indicate any special disease.