1. Liver Diseases:
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma): AFP is often used as a tumor marker for liver cancer. A persistently high AFP level can suggest the presence of liver cancer or monitor its progression.
2. Fetal Abnormalities during Pregnancy:
- Neural tube defects (NTDs): Elevated AFP levels in pregnant women can be associated with neural tube defects in the developing fetus. NTDs include conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
- Multiple pregnancies: Higher AFP levels may be seen in pregnancies with multiple fetuses, such as twins or triplets.
3. Germ Cell Tumors:
- Testicular cancer in males: High AFP levels can be associated with certain types of testicular cancer, particularly non-seminomatous germ cell tumors.
- Ovarian cancer in females: Elevated AFP levels may be observed in some cases of ovarian cancer, especially in conjunction with other tumor markers.
4. Yolk Sac Tumors:
- In children, high AFP levels can be linked to yolk sac tumors, a type of cancer that originates in the embryonic yolk sac.
It's important to note that a single elevated AFP level does not necessarily indicate a specific condition. Doctors consider a combination of factors, including the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other test results, to determine the cause of elevated AFP and make an accurate diagnosis. Further tests and examinations may be recommended to confirm the underlying medical condition and determine appropriate treatment.