Dear Sir, Hi & Welcome.
Along with
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Estriol, Inhibin-A,
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) forms Quadruple screening test which is done in the second trimester of pregnancy to detect certain defects in the fetus like
spina bifida & chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome.
However, it can also be useful to diagnose and monitor certain liver diseases like
hepatitis, cirrhosis and
liver cancer in both the sexes.
As a 'tumor marker' it can also help detect several other cancers, including cancers of the testes, ovaries, biliary tract, stomach, & pancreas.
Therefore in men this test test is done to diagnose and monitor certain cancers like those of testes, stomach, biliary tract and pancreas apart from the liver conditions as mentioned earlier.
If the AFP level is HIGH it may indicate the presence of certain cancers or liver diseases.
Hope to have answered your query.