What type of cancer is AFP a marker for?

• A. Breast cancer
• B. Liver cancer
• C. Colorectal cancer
• D. Pancreatic cancer

Answer: (B)

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein produced primarily by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract. In adults, elevated levels of AFP can indicate certain types of cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common form of primary liver cancer. This association is well-established in clinical practice; AFP levels are often measured in patients at risk for liver cancer, especially those with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis infection. While AFP can also be elevated in other conditions, such as germ cell tumors and certain liver diseases, its most significant role as a tumor marker is in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver cancer. Thus, the correlation between AFP and liver cancer highlights its relevance in clinical settings for detecting and managing this specific type of cancer.