Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What tumor marker is raised in hepatocellular carcinoma?

CA-125
CEA
A-fetoprotein
PSA

The correct answer is: A-fetoprotein

In the context of hepatocellular carcinoma, the tumor marker that is most commonly associated with this type of liver cancer is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). AFP is a protein that is normally produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract during development. In adults, elevated levels of AFP can indicate the presence of certain liver conditions, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. The elevation of AFP in patients with liver cancer is due to the malignant cells' ability to produce this protein in increased quantities. It is used not only for diagnosis but also for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence after treatment. This makes it a critical marker in the clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Other tumor markers, while pertinent to various cancers, are not specifically elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma. CA-125 is mainly a marker for ovarian cancer, CEA is often elevated in colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers, and PSA is primarily associated with prostate cancer. Therefore, the elevation of alpha-fetoprotein distinctly categorizes it as the most relevant marker for hepatocellular carcinoma.