alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels may be raised in hepatic adenoma, although it is not a consistent finding. Hepatic adenoma is a rare type of liver tumor that is typically benign (non-cancerous), but it can sometimes progress to a more serious condition such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
AFP is a protein that is normally produced by the developing fetus and is also found in small amounts in adults. Elevated AFP levels can indicate the presence of certain types of cancers, including HCC, as well as other liver conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.
In the case of hepatic adenoma, elevated AFP levels are thought to be related to the increased risk of HCC in some cases. However, not all hepatic adenomas are associated with elevated AFP levels, and AFP levels can also be elevated in other types of liver tumors or non-cancerous liver conditions.
Therefore, while AFP levels can be a useful diagnostic tool in some cases, they are not always definitive, and other tests such as imaging studies and biopsy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of hepatic adenoma or rule out other liver conditions.