AFP-producing tumors

AFP-producing tumors are cancers that release elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) into the blood. AFP is a protein normally produced during fetal development, but in adults, high AFP levels can indicate the presence of certain tumors. These tumors are often associated with liver cancers (like hepatocellular carcinoma) or germ cell tumors in the testicles or ovaries. Detecting increased AFP levels helps in diagnosing, monitoring treatment response, and checking for recurrence. While elevated AFP isn't exclusive to cancer, consistently high levels in the right clinical context can be an important marker for these tumor types.