Exaggerated serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein in focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a tumor marker routinely used for the diagnosis and follow-up of malignant neoplasms. We report a case of extremely high serum levels of AFP associated with benign lesions of the liver and of the lungs with a spontaneous and gradual drop to normal values in the 9-month follow-up without any form of treatment. As a result a high serum level of AFP does not necessarily indicate a malignant tumor and every patient presenting with such finding must be thoroughly examined before making a definitive diagnosis.