Liver Cancer Screening
AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) Tumor Marker Testing
Liver Cancer Screening at TEKlaB
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is often related to chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis. Regular AFP testing combined with ultrasound can detect liver cancer early in high-risk individuals, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
About Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide. Morocco has high rates of hepatitis B and C, making liver cancer screening crucial for at-risk populations. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates.
AFP - Alpha-Fetoprotein Test
What is AFP?
Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein normally produced by fetal liver cells. In adults, elevated AFP levels can indicate liver cancer or other conditions.
Normal AFP Levels:
- <10 ng/mL: Normal
- 10-20 ng/mL: Slightly elevated
Elevated AFP Levels:
- 20-200 ng/mL: Moderate - investigate
- >200 ng/mL: Very high - likely HCC
- >400 ng/mL: Strongly suggestive of cancer
Who Should Get AFP Testing?
- Chronic Hepatitis B - Even without cirrhosis, every 6 months
- Chronic Hepatitis C - With cirrhosis, every 6 months
- Liver Cirrhosis - Any cause (alcohol, NASH, etc.), every 6 months
- Family history - First-degree relative with liver cancer
- Hemochromatosis - Iron overload disorder
- Primary biliary cirrhosis - Autoimmune liver disease
- Previous liver cancer - Monitoring for recurrence
High-Risk Groups in Morocco
- Hepatitis B carriers - Morocco has endemic hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C patients - Increasing prevalence
- Heavy alcohol users - Risk of alcoholic cirrhosis
- Diabetes with NASH - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
What Causes Elevated AFP?
Cancer-Related
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary)
- Germ cell tumors (testicular/ovarian)
- Stomach cancer (rare)
- Pancreatic cancer (rare)
Non-Cancer Causes
- Chronic hepatitis (B or C)
- Cirrhosis (any cause)
- Acute hepatitis
- Pregnancy (normal in fetus)
- Liver regeneration after injury
AFP Monitoring Schedule
| Risk Level | Testing Frequency |
|---|---|
| Chronic Hepatitis B | Every 6 months |
| Hepatitis C with cirrhosis | Every 6 months |
| Any cirrhosis | Every 6 months |
| After HCC treatment | Every 3 months first year, then every 6 months |
| Borderline AFP (10-20) | Repeat in 1-3 months |
Complete Liver Cancer Screening
AFP testing is most effective when combined with imaging:
- Liver ultrasound - Every 6 months for high-risk patients
- CT scan or MRI - If AFP elevated or suspicious ultrasound
- Liver function tests - AST, ALT, bilirubin, albumin
- Hepatitis serology - Check for HBV/HCV infection
- Liver biopsy - Confirms diagnosis
Liver Cancer Prevention
- Get vaccinated - Hepatitis B vaccine (prevents 70% of cases)
- Treat hepatitis C - New antivirals can cure HCV
- Limit alcohol - Reduces cirrhosis risk
- Maintain healthy weight - Prevents fatty liver disease
- Avoid aflatoxins - Moldy foods (peanuts, grains)
- Regular screening - If you have risk factors
Warning Signs
See a doctor if you have:
- Abdominal pain (upper right)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Extreme fatigue
Hours
- Mon-Fri07:30-19:00
- Saturday08:30-17:00
- Sunday09:00-14:00
Related Tests
Schedule Your Liver Cancer Screening
If you have hepatitis or cirrhosis, regular AFP testing can save your life.
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