What does AFP stand for?

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AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein, a protein normally produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac. In adults, AFP levels are typically very low, but they rise in certain conditions, most notably hepatocellular carcinoma and some germ cell tumors. In liver practice, a rising AFP can support suspicion of HCC when seen alongside imaging findings, and it may be used to monitor treatment response or recurrence. In pregnancy, maternal AFP is measured for fetal anomaly screening, but for liver-related questions the key point is that AFP is a fetal protein that becomes a tumor marker in adults. The standard spelling is alpha-fetoprotein (often written with a hyphen). Variations exist, but the essential meaning remains the same.