A tumor marker elevated in both hepatocellular carcinoma and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, and normally produced by the fetal yolk sac and liver, is:
- A CEA
- B AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) ✓
- C CA 19-9
- D PSA
Correct answer: B. AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
Explanation
AFP is synthesized by fetal yolk sac and fetal liver and is elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (useful for screening in cirrhosis) and in non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (particularly yolk sac tumors and embryonal carcinoma). CEA is a marker for colorectal, gastric, and breast carcinomas; CA 19-9 for pancreatic and biliary carcinomas; PSA for prostate carcinoma.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.