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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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For What Purpose Alpha-fetoprotein Blood Test And RUQ Ultrasound Advised?

I have been seeing a gastro dr for abdominal pain I had a colonoscopy a hida test ct scan and several blood tests I just recently received a prescription for AFP ( tumor marker)and RUQ ultrasound. This. Is very disconcerting since the word tumor and cancer appear in descriptions. Is this something to truly worry about. Thank you. Barbara
Mon, 12 Oct 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for writing to HCM.
AFP is a glycoprotein and the most abundant plasma protein found in the human fetus. It is used as a tumor marker for detecting cancers namely hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell tumors, Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma and metastatic cancers of the liver. Its normal level is less than 10 ng/mL. Levels greater than 500 ng/mL could indicate that a person is having one of the above cancers.
Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) ultrasound is scan commonly used to evaluate abnormalities of organs namely liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
Hope the things you had doubts has been clarified. Get these tests done what has been advised and hope for the best.
All the best.
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For What Purpose Alpha-fetoprotein Blood Test And RUQ Ultrasound Advised?

Hi Barbara, Thanks for writing to HCM. AFP is a glycoprotein and the most abundant plasma protein found in the human fetus. It is used as a tumor marker for detecting cancers namely hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell tumors, Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma and metastatic cancers of the liver. Its normal level is less than 10 ng/mL. Levels greater than 500 ng/mL could indicate that a person is having one of the above cancers. Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) ultrasound is scan commonly used to evaluate abnormalities of organs namely liver, pancreas and gall bladder. Hope the things you had doubts has been clarified. Get these tests done what has been advised and hope for the best. All the best.