Liver cancer
The liver is a vital organ that helps to filter toxins from the blood and produce bile for digestion. Liver cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, but it can be challenging to detect in its early stages.
One way to determine if liver cancer is present is to measure a liver enzyme called alpha-fetoprotein or AFP. Elevated levels of AFP in the blood can signify liver cancer. However, not all elevated AFP levels indicate cancer, as the levels can also be elevated in other conditions, such as liver damage or inflammation.
If liver cancer is present, elevated liver enzyme levels can mean that the cancer has spread or metastasized to other body parts. As a result, measuring liver enzyme levels can help determine the severity of liver cancer. However, further testing is often necessary to confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer. Elevated liver enzymes due to cancer are typically treated with medication, such as Ursodiol, which helps reduce inflammation and protect the liver from further deterioration. Surgery may also be necessary to remove part of the liver that is damaged or diseased.
