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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma related α-Fetoprotein elevation in a patient with HBV-related cirrhosis
Insights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in HBV carriers often uses alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). However, elevated AFP can indicate other conditions, necessitating careful evaluation for accurate HCC diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver tumor.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers at high risk for HCC are recommended for surveillance.
- Current guidelines suggest ultrasound (US) every 6-12 months and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) measurement for HCC surveillance.
Abstract:
HCC is the most common type of primary liver tumor. The Practice Guideline, AASLD, for HCC recommended surveillance of HBV carriers at high risk of HCC with US every 6-12 months. Laboratory surveillance option is the measurement of serum α-fetoprotein level which has long been used for the diagnosis of HCC. But, increased serum levels of α-fetoprotein are also seen in acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and malignancies include yolk sac carcinoma, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, gastric and lung carcinoma. Because of elevation α-fetoprotein in these malignancies, liver mass with an elevated α-fetoprotein does not directly indicate HCC. For these reason, clinicians evaluating patient with liver mass and HBV-related cirrhosis should be vigilant for other case of α-fetoprotein elevation.
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