Lack of correlation between alpha-fetoprotein and tumor size in hepatocellular carcinoma

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there was a correlation between tumor size and alpha feto-protein [alpha-FP] levels in hepatocellular carcinoma. SETTING: Retrospective study in tertiary referral center with specialist Oncology services in Southern Pakistan. SUBJECTS: Consecutive patients with biopsy-proven hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed between January 1994 and June 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between alpha-FP levels and maximum tumor diameter. The mean tumor size was 8.3 +/- 4.2 cm. The mean alpha-FP level was 17,027 ng/ml. Twenty four% patients had an alpha-FP level which was within the normal limits [< 10 ng/ml]. There was no correlation between tumor size and alpha-FP levels [r = -0.155; p = 0.129]. There was no correlation between the tumor size and alpha-FP levels