Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker test

Why this test may be ordered

• To monitor certain types of cancer and cancer treatment
• To help make a prognosis
• To check whether cancer has returned after treatment
• To monitor chronic liver diseases (cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C) along with liver ultrasound every six months to help detect liver cancer early

Preparation and collection

No special preparations needed.

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Understanding results

The following information describes possible results for this test when used for cancer monitoring or surveillance. Results are not a diagnosis and must be interpreted by a healthcare professional based on your full medical history and other tests.

• High AFP level: screen-positive Limitation: If you haven’t been diagnosed with cancer, high AFP levels may be a sign of cancer of the liver, ovaries, or testicles, but could also be from liver injury or noncancerous liver disease. Next step: Your provider will use your medical history and other test results (such as imaging) to make a diagnosis.
• Normal AFP level: screen-negative Limitation: A normal AFP level does not rule out cancer because some people with these cancers have normal AFP levels. Next step: If symptoms persist, further testing may be needed.
• AFP levels increasing during cancer treatment: higher-likelihood Limitation: For treatment monitoring: AFP levels often go up as tumors grow and go down as they shrink. Next step: Your provider will look at all your AFP test results over time to see how your levels have changed.
• AFP levels decreasing during cancer treatment: lower-likelihood Limitation: For treatment monitoring: AFP levels often go up as tumors grow and go down as they shrink. Next step: Your provider will look at all your AFP test results over time to see how your levels have changed.

• High AFP levels may also be caused by noncancerous conditions such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, or liver disease.
• Some people with liver, ovarian, or testicular cancer can have normal AFP levels.
• This test alone cannot be used to screen for or diagnose cancer.

What to do next

Ask your provider to explain what your test results mean for your health.

• What is an AFP tumor marker test?
• What is it used for?
• Why do I need an AFP tumor marker test?
• What happens during an AFP tumor marker test?
• Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test?

Evidence source

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker test