A 52-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C cirrhosis is found to have a 3 cm liver mass on surveillance ultrasound. Which tumor marker is most useful for monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma in this patient?
- A CA 19-9
- B Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ✓
- C Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
- D CA-125
Correct answer: B. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Explanation
AFP is the primary tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma, used for diagnosis and monitoring in at-risk patients with cirrhosis. CA 19-9 is associated with pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. CEA is used in colorectal carcinoma monitoring. CA-125 is used for epithelial ovarian cancer.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.