Diagnostic Significance of Alpha Feto Protein as a Tumour Marker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Alpha-fetoprotein (?-fetoprotein, AFP) is a large serum glycoprotein, normally produced during fetal development by the liver and yolk sac. AFP may be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of cases of HCC.Aims and objectives of this study is to estimate and compare the level of AFP in normal subjects and HCC cases and to evaluate the diagnostic significance of AFP as a tumour marker in HCC.AFP level was estimated by CLIA among 44 healthy subjects and 76 HCC cases. 9 out of 44 healthy controls showed increased level of AFP.Among the 76 patients diagnosed with HCC, AFP level was found to be increased in 38 cases. AFP is a significant tumour marker for HCC and can be used as an important tool for assessing the success of treatment regimen and prognosis.