ARDMS AB-Abdomen Exam - Topic 1 Question 8 Discussion

Actual exam question for ARDMS's AB-Abdomen exam

Question #: 8
Topic #: 1

[All AB-Abdomen Questions]

Elevation of alpha-fetoprotein levels is a characteristic finding in which tumor?

BAdenoma

AHepatoma

DFocal nodular hyperplasia

CCholangiocarcinoma

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is commonly elevated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma), particularly in those with underlying cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B/C. AFP is not typically elevated in adenomas, cholangiocarcinoma, or FNH.

According to Rumack's Diagnostic Ultrasound:

''Serum AFP levels are elevated in 50--70% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.''

Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Elsevier, 2017.

AASLD Guidelines for HCC Surveillance, 2018.

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by Elly at Jan 29, 2026, 05:03 AM

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Raina

5 days ago

I remember something about it being elevated in germ cell tumors too, but I’m not sure if that’s the main one they’re looking for.

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Winfred

10 days ago

I think alpha-fetoprotein is mainly associated with liver tumors, right? Maybe hepatocellular carcinoma?

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Ming

15 days ago

Hmm, I'm a bit stuck on this one. I know alpha-fetoprotein is associated with certain cancers, but I can't quite remember which one. I'll have to try to eliminate some options and see if I can narrow it down.

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Fausto

20 days ago

I've got this! Alpha-fetoprotein is elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer. I'm confident that's the right answer.

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Clay

26 days ago

Ugh, I'm really not sure about this one. Tumor markers are not my strongest area. I'll have to make an educated guess and hope for the best.

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Jeannine

1 month ago

Okay, let me see... alpha-fetoprotein is a fetal protein, so it's likely related to a type of cancer that originates from fetal or embryonic tissue. I'm going to start by considering germ cell tumors.

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Bok

1 month ago

Hmm, this seems like a question about tumor markers. I'll need to think through the different types of tumors and their associated biomarkers.

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