Which serum marker is commonly increased in the malignant liver pathology described that includes elevated AFP?

Which serum marker is commonly increased in the malignant liver pathology described that includes elevated AFP?

• A. AFP
• B. ALT
• C. AST
• D. ALP

Answer: (A)

Alpha-fetoprotein elevation is a common finding in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this malignant liver condition, malignant hepatocytes often produce AFP, so its serum level rises. The other markers reflect general liver injury or cholestasis rather than cancer specifically—ALT and AST indicate hepatocellular injury from many causes, and ALP rises with biliary obstruction or bone turnover. Therefore, AFP is the most informative marker for this liver cancer scenario, helping support a diagnosis of HCC when levels are elevated alongside imaging findings.

Alpha-fetoprotein elevation is a common finding in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this malignant liver condition, malignant hepatocytes often produce AFP, so its serum level rises. The other markers reflect general liver injury or cholestasis rather than cancer specifically—ALT and AST indicate hepatocellular injury from many causes, and ALP rises with biliary obstruction or bone turnover. Therefore, AFP is the most informative marker for this liver cancer scenario, helping support a diagnosis of HCC when levels are elevated alongside imaging findings.