What are the factors that lead to increased alpha-fetoprotein? There are these six points

The concentration of alpha-fetoprotein is affected by many diseases, such as cirrhosis, liver damage, liver cancer, etc. If its concentration is high, you should go to the hospital for examination in time to see if there is a tumor. Let's take a closer look at the factors that lead to increased alpha-fetoprotein.

1. Consider the factor of liver cancer. Liver cancer is one of the common causes of high alpha-fetoprotein. The normal value of alpha-fetoprotein is 0-20μg/L. If alpha-fetoprotein exceeds 500μg/L and lasts for 1 month, it can generally be diagnosed as subclinical liver cancer. Testing alpha-fetoprotein is a very simple, sensitive and quick method for diagnosing liver cancer. It is now believed that it has unique value in detecting early liver cancer, second only to pathological examination.
2. During the active stage of chronic hepatitis, alpha-fetoprotein will also increase slightly or moderately, but generally will not continue to increase. Moreover, after treatment, alpha-fetoprotein will decrease or even return to normal levels.

3. The concentration of alpha-fetoprotein can be used to reflect the degree of liver cell damage and pathological activity. Most of them are less than 400μg/L. If it exceeds 400μg/L for a long time, it often indicates the possibility of cancer.
4. The detection of alpha-fetoprotein is very important for patients with liver cirrhosis. When the alpha-fetoprotein of patients with liver cirrhosis continues to rise and the concentration is about 400μg/L, the possibility of liver cancer should be considered. Early detection and early treatment can better improve the quality of life.

5. Other diseases, such as congestive hepatomegaly, ataxia telangiectasia, congenital tyrosinosis, testicular or ovarian embryonic tumors, such as seminoma, malignant teratoma, ovarian tumor, etc., often have elevated alpha-fetoprotein. When the fetus is malformed with spina bifida, alpha-fetoprotein is significantly increased, which can be used as a basis for termination of pregnancy.
6. Normal physiological reaction. During the 3rd to 6th month of pregnancy, the alpha-fetoprotein level of pregnant women will increase. This is a normal phenomenon and there is no need to worry.