Alpha Fetoprotein

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced mainly by the fetal liver and is present in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. It is measured in the mother's blood to screen for potential birth defects during the second trimester of pregnancy. AFP is also produced by some other tissues, such as the yolk sac and gastrointestinal tract. High levels of AFP may be seen in certain types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell tumors, and ovarian cancer. Low levels of AFP may be seen in Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities, as well as in certain liver diseases. It can also be used to monitor the response to cancer treatment. AFP is produced by the liver in the fetus and is an important marker for fetal development. It is released into the amniotic fluid and can be measured in a blood sample from the mother. Testing for AFP is part of the standard screening for chromosomal abnormalities and other anomalies during the second trimester of pregnancy. High levels of AFP in the mother's blood can indicate an open neural tube defect, such as spina bifida, or a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome. Low levels of AFP can also suggest certain problems, such as a blighted ovum or a slow-growing fetus. AFP levels can also be used to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and to help diagnose multiple pregnancies. In addition to its role in prenatal screening, AFP can also be used to detect the presence of certain types of cancer. High levels of AFP in the blood may indicate the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell tumors, or ovarian cancer. It can also be used to monitor the response to cancer treatment. The level of AFP in the blood can vary significantly in healthy people, so a single measurement is not enough to make a diagnosis. A doctor will likely also order other tests, such as an ultrasound or amniocentesis, to confirm a diagnosis or determine the cause of abnormal AFP levels.