What does the AFP Tumor Marker test primarily screen for?

The AFP Tumor Marker test, which measures alpha-fetoprotein levels in the blood, primarily screens for liver tumors. Elevated levels of AFP are often associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a common type of liver cancer. Additionally, this test can also be useful in monitoring patients with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, for the development of liver cancer. While AFP can be elevated in other contexts, such as testicular tumors or pregnancy, its main clinical relevance lies in the detection and management of liver cancer. This highlights the importance of understanding the specific medical contexts in which tumor markers are utilized for diagnosis and monitoring.