Blood markers
AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
Also written as AFP, Alpha fetoprotein, Serum AFP
What it means
AFP is a protein normally made by a fetus. Levels are usually undetectable in the blood of healthy adults who are not pregnant. A raised level suggests either a primary liver cancer or a germ cell tumour.
Why it matters
A raised AFP is a clue, not a diagnosis. Your doctor reads it with scans and other tests.
Ask your oncologist
"What other tests will confirm what my raised AFP means?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: alpha-fetoprotein. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.