Which tumor is most commonly associated with elevated levels of AFP?

Which tumor is most commonly associated with elevated levels of AFP?

• A. Breast cancer
• B. Hepatoma
• C. Pancreatic cancer
• D. Retinoblastoma

Answer: (B)

Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are most commonly associated with hepatoma, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AFP is a glycoprotein that is typically produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract during development. In adults, elevated levels of AFP are often indicative of liver pathology, particularly when associated with liver tumors. In the case of hepatoma, the liver cells become malignant and begin producing AFP in larger quantities, which is why it serves as a tumor marker in the diagnosis and management of liver cancer. It’s also useful in monitoring treatment response and potential recurrence of the disease after therapy. The other tumors listed have different associations with AFP levels. Breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and retinoblastoma do not have a typical relationship with AFP, making hepatoma the clear choice when identifying the tumor most commonly associated with elevated levels of this marker.

Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are most commonly associated with hepatoma, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AFP is a glycoprotein that is typically produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract during development. In adults, elevated levels of AFP are often indicative of liver pathology, particularly when associated with liver tumors.

In the case of hepatoma, the liver cells become malignant and begin producing AFP in larger quantities, which is why it serves as a tumor marker in the diagnosis and management of liver cancer. It’s also useful in monitoring treatment response and potential recurrence of the disease after therapy.

The other tumors listed have different associations with AFP levels. Breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and retinoblastoma do not have a typical relationship with AFP, making hepatoma the clear choice when identifying the tumor most commonly associated with elevated levels of this marker.