Alpha fetoprotein - series

Normal AFP levels for men for for non-pregnant women are less than 300 nanograms per milliliter.

Greater-than-normal levels of AFP in men and non-pregnant women may indicate:

• cancer in testes, ovaries, biliary (liver secretion) tract, stomach, or pancreas
• cirrhosis of the liver
• liver cancer
• malignant teratoma
• recovery from hepatitis

During pregnancy, increased levels of AFP may indicate:

• Fetal defects.
• Spina bifida.
• Anencephaly.
• Omphalocele.
• Tetralogy of Fallot.
• Duodenal atresia.
• Turner's syndrome.
• Intrauterine death.

Review Date: 03/02/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel R. Alexander, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.