Beth the AFP marker is only one of many assessment tools used to screen for HCC. It is not reliable on it's own as may things can cause it to fluctuate.
Regular (6 month) ultrasounds, AFP and other clinical presentations are necessary to give a good clinical picture of what's "going on".
http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/media/newsroom/details.cfm?ID=1497

Aside from HCC, what other conditions can cause an elevation in AFP level?

Testicular cancer causes elevations in AFP level, but that is not generally a source of diagnostic confusion. More importantly, a significant number of patients with cirrhosis will have an elevated AFP level, and the clinical significance of this finding is unclear. A study that examined a fairly large number of patients over a period of 1314 years found that approximately 90% of AFP elevations were not associated with cancer. Instead, most cases involved a transiently elevated AFP level; if patients were followed over this period, approximately 1314% would have an elevated AFP level at some point. In patients with cirrhosis, an elevated AFP level is a marker for increased risk of HCC; therefore, a clinician is more likely to find a tumor in a patient who has an elevated AFP level than in someone who does not. However, this use of AFP level does not qualify it as a screening test.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3061015/

OK. Thanks K. I have an ultrasound scheduled for the 18th. I'm probably worrying needlessly. I'll report update on results.
Take care
Beth

I went back to look at my test results to see what my reading was, and it doesn't appear they did that test. I would think it would be standard with cirrhosis patients. ?

Sandy yes it's pretty standard for those at higher risk for HCC ..not conclusive but part of the whole picture..ask your Dr. about it!

I definitely will, Kramer. Thanks! I have an MRI twice a year, but the blood test might be helpful as well.

Yes HCC caught early can be a much easier thing to treat ...

My ultra sound was normal, but AFP elevated higher than yours. We are at risk for HCC. My Dr ordered a triple phase CT because of the AFP.

The newest test for liver tumor marker is AFP-L3. It's much more sensitive and specific. I'd urge anyone here who is having blood panels including AFP to ask for AFP AND AFP-L3.

This test is also used as one of many factors in determining whether or not a patient waiting on a transplant list is getting closer to having their liver which is more than likely @ end stage and cirrhotic in a state where it is critical to transplant before HCC (Liver Cancer) overwhelms the liver and starts attacking other organs as well...

This test isn't necessary for someone who is not yet cirrhotic and is not normally used if the patient has fibrosis.

The L3 version of this test is way more sensitive than the standard test which was used in the studies that Kramer mentioned and way more accurate also. Cat Magic is correct in distinguishing the difference between the two.

It's not so much that the levels are elevated compared to what's normal... It's more the extent of the increase in comparison to what the patient's initial numbers were as well as how long it took for the patient's numbers to increase to the levels which would catch the attention of the Doctors ordering that test.

Respectfully,
Henry

I too am in a similar situation, my AFP test went up double what it was a yr ago.. after the doc sent me for a sonogram and a MRI with contrast (Iodine), test came back okay... but I'm still concerned I don't know if any of those were an AFP L3 but I will find out... I need a new doctor I currently see a GI but I think due to these new findings I would be better off with a liver scplst... mines went from 7pts to 14pts in about a yr.. good luck to you all... btw I still am not being considered to a transplant hmm don't know if its because my doc is not advocating for me have a great week everyone :)