Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a useful serum tumor marker. In which of the following conditions is AFP elevation LEAST expected?

• A Hepatocellular carcinoma
• B Testicular yolk sac tumor
• C Fetal neural tube defects (maternal serum)
• D Seminoma of testis ✓

Explanation

Classic seminoma does not produce AFP; its elevation in a patient with a testicular germ-cell tumor should prompt suspicion of a non-seminomatous component (yolk sac, embryonal carcinoma). AFP is physiologically produced by fetal liver/yolk sac and is elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (>400 ng/mL is highly suggestive), yolk sac tumors, and in maternal serum when fetal neural tube defects or abdominal wall defects are present.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.