Resolved question:
Can you explain this test result level, is this safe or elevated?
ALPHA FETO PROTEIN 1.1 ng/mL
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated in the serum
of more than in 70% of patients with hepatocellular
carcinoma & 70% of patients with non-seminous
testicular carcinoma. AFP TESTING SHOULD NOT BE
USED FOR SCREENING NEURAL TUBE & OTHER BIRTH
DEFECTS.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
The AFP value is evaluated to diagnose certain malignancies like Hepatocellular CA ( liver cancer ), testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, neursl tube defects, yolk sac tumor ( e.t.c ). It can also be elevated in several other conditions like Hepatitis. Not the most sensitive indicator.
The value that you have given is normal in most settings, however the reference range is fixed by the laboratories individually based on the equipment they are using. So if possible please provide the refernce range mentioned beside the value. But in most settings, under 5 ng/ML is considered to be safe and insignificant.
Is there any specific reason for you getting AFP done? Is there any symptom?
Kindly reply as a follow up,
Regards.
Yes, my boyfriend has found lumps on his testies, or I should say after the ultra sound they are located on the outside cap of his testies. This was the blood test that was taken for him to determin if he has cancer or not and this was the most concerning part of the test and I just wanted to be certain that he is within the right levels, as his doctor is out of town to read them to him. The <8.7 is the range it gave.
Test Result Unit Range
ALPHA FETO PROTEIN 1.1 ng/mL <8.7
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated in the serum
of more than in 70% of patients with hepatocellular
carcinoma & 70% of patients with non-seminous
testicular carcinoma. AFP TESTING SHOULD NOT BE
USED FOR SCREENING NEURAL TUBE & OTHER BIRTH
DEFECTS.
Hello,
Yes as i told you, even in the lab where he got his test done, the normal values are within 8.7 ng/mL. So it is insignificant.
And also the ultrasound will be able to mention what are the lumps there for. Did you review with an urologist?
In case you haven't it is better to gt him physically examined by an urologist. There are other benign causes for testicular lumps too such as epididymitis. AFP values are not the most sensitive ones.
If you can, you can upload the ultrasound report and i will give my opinion on that. Till 10 ng/mL, the AFP values are not considered significant anywhere. Since in his case it is 1.1 ng/mL, it is very encouraging and mostly rules out non-seminous testicular CA. To localise the exact cause, a physical examination will be necessary.
Regards.