Does Mild Fatty Liver Cause Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels?

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are not typically elevated due to mild fatty liver disease. In clinical practice, AFP is primarily used as a tumor marker for diagnosing and monitoring primary liver cancer. While it is most commonly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, elevated AFP levels can also occur in other types of cancer, such as testicular cancer, ovarian tumors, malignant teratomas, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and even lung cancer.

Conditions such as acute or chronic severe hepatitis and cirrhosis may lead to mild to moderate increases in AFP levels. Therefore, if a patient with mild fatty liver disease notices an increase in AFP during follow-up tests, it is important to seek medical evaluation promptly. Early detection and treatment of underlying conditions can help prevent disease progression and improve outcomes.