Dear all,
Recently, one HCC patient of mine, his AFP level declined to the normal level three month later after liver resection. However, one month later, his AFP rebound and continue to increase. Strangely, we cannot find the evidence of recurrence from MRI and CT scan.
Now, we are confused with the treatment and the AFP level is increasing. So, can someone tell me the answer why AFP was rebounded? What we need to do now?
Thank you for your answer.
Microscopic recurrence may not be picked up on CT and MRI scan. But one also needs to know what was the presurgery level of AFP and to what extent it has rebounded. Also the etiology of cirrhosis, especially hepatitis C, can itself cause raised AFP levels even without cancer but again the level is important. SPECT or PET scan can identify microrecurrence.
distant metastasis can also produce afp. you need to image for mets. if CT and MRI doesnt work may be a PET CT
The other possibility is the
AFP producing carcinoma with liver metastasis or metastases.
The primary may arise from any origins, but mostly arise from GI tract, especially the stomach. Please check my published articles.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology