Alpha-fetoprotein is the albumin of the fetus
What do we need to know about it?
It is a tumor marker for some tumors:
Yolk sac tumors (endodermal Sinus tumors)
Tumors in the ovaries of young girls or testes of young boys are most often Yolk Sac
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Marker for fetus issues:
If the fetus has an open neural tube defect alpha-fetoprotein will be elevated
If the fetus has down's syndrome (think down) alpha-fetoprotein will be low
We all know that folate taken prior to conception is protective against neural tube defects.
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