Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein produced in the liver of a developing baby inside the mother's womb. It can pass through the placenta and reach the mother's blood. This can be useful in testing for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
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My carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha-fetoprotein levels are higher. Can you please help me?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a healthy 50-year-old female with no significant medical history except cholecystectomy and uterine fibroids in the past. I had got general blood tests, including tumor markers, done. My CEA levels have come out to be in the smoker range though I am a non-smoker, and AFP levels are ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. You should get a positron emission tomography (PET scan) done. It is a specific test for cancer cells. Another option is to repeat carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha-fetoprotein tests after two weeks. If there is a significant rise, it i... Read Full »
My husband got hepatitis B. How to treat him?
Query: Hi doctor, My husband was diagnosed with hepatitis B. What will I do now? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. When someone has hepatitis B, first we need to know about the status of liver and then we can plan for the treatment. Do anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg, Anti-HBe, HBV DANA quantification, LFT (liver function test), CBC (complete blood count) and AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), ultra... Read Full »
Will they remove the entire ovary in the case of ovarian cyst?
Query: Hi doctor, A few months ago, I had an ultrasound for some cyst pain. A small growth was discovered on my ovary along with a large cyst as you can see from the documentation attached to this question. I am trying to do everything I can to avoid losing this ovary. My question is, after reviewing the a... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, It looks like the right ovary is having a complex ovarian cyst. It could be malignant also (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Please get alpha-fetoprotein AFP, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and CEA carcinoembryonic antigen. Depending upon the diagnosis you should plan surg... Read Full »
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