PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a specific biomarker used for the diagnosis of hepatoma?

1. Beta-hCG

2. Alpha-fetoprotein

3. Prostate-specific antigen

4. Carcinoembryonic antigen

The correct answer is: Alpha-fetoprotein

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is typically produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. In adults, elevated levels of AFP can indicate liver abnormalities, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, commonly known as hepatoma. Thus, AFP is widely recognized as a specific biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatoma. The significance of AFP lies in its ability to serve as a tumor marker, aiding in both the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response in patients with liver cancer. While other markers may be useful in different contexts, such as beta-hCG for germ cell tumors or prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, none are specific for hepatoma as AFP is. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is also linked with various malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer, but it does not specifically indicate liver cancer either. The use of AFP in clinical practice emphasizes its role in identifying and managing patients at risk for liver cancer, particularly in individuals with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. High levels of AFP, combined with imaging studies, can significantly enhance the accuracy of hepatoma diagnosis. Therefore, AFP is the preferred biomarker for this purpose.