A 52-year-old male with hepatitis C recently developed hepatic cancer. Which of the following markers should be increased?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha-fetoprotein is a tumor marker for hepatic (liver) cancer. A rise in its level is seen in the majority of cases with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in advanced cases. Hepatitis C is a common risk factor for developing HCC. Choice B is incorrect because catecholamines are not related to liver cancer. Choice C is incorrect because prostate-specific antigen is a marker for prostate cancer, not liver cancer. Choice D is incorrect because homovanillic acid is a metabolite of dopamine that is a marker for neuroendocrine tumors, not liver cancer.

A 52-Year-Old Male with Hepatitis C Recently Developed Hepatic Cancer