Foetoprotein (Noun)
Meaning
Any of several antigens that occur naturally in the fetus and sometimes in adults with cancer.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Levels of alpha-foetoprotein can be elevated in adults with certain types of cancer, such as liver and testicular cancer.
- Researchers study the levels of alpha-foetoprotein in the blood to diagnose and monitor certain cancers.
- In the past, doctors used to think that alpha-foetoprotein was produced only by the fetus, but now we know it can also be produced by some cancer cells.
- The level of alpha-foetoprotein in the blood of pregnant women is measured to assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities.
- Elevated levels of alpha-foetoprotein in adults are often an indication of liver damage or certain types of cancer.