Alpha - fetoprotein is an alpha-globulin produced by embryonic hepatocytes and present in normal fetus and new born during the first days of life. But, in serum, high level is encountered in children with various neoplasia including emryonic carcinoma, vitelline tumor, teratoma and 2/3 of malignant epithelial hepatic neoplasia.
There is no age limit to use AFP for monitoring of treatment or surveillance.
Yes,there is age limit.
normal serum alfa fetoprotein of infant at verious age enlisted bellow
premature more or less, 41,444 ng/ml
newborn up to 2 wk '' 34,718 ''
2 wk to 1 month '' 12,610 ''
2 month '' 278 ''
3 month '' 87 ''
4 month '' 56 ''
5 month '' 19 ''
6 month '' 9.8 ''
7 month '' 7.1 ''
8 month '' 5.5 ''
Keep in mind that some cases of the gastric cancers produce alpha-fetoprotein. Those tumors are relatively undifferentiated and difficult to cure due to its aggressiveness of distant metastasis. Males more than 70 year old age often develop this tumor.
Thanks! Dear Yoshida for your observation, but, have you any analysis of alpha fetoprotein in the evolution of any of those patients that developed tumor even above 70yrs?
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