Meaning of elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein levels

[Amanarae]

I have a long history of ovarian cysts that usually go away,but also a family history of cancer. They came across a larger than usuall one on my left side and started to watch it, as of now it has continued to grow and they're now considering it complex. My question is they tested my Alpha-Fetoprotein levels and they are elevated, is this common with ovarian cysts or does this mean I need to be concerned with cancer? Any and all information would be appreciated.

[Amanarae]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I have been experiencing extremely irregular bleeding and at times being consistent for a 30 days or so, lower back pain, random bouts of vomiting, bleeding after interconnected when not having usual bleeding, elevatrd WBC and lymphocytes etc.

[old_before_my_time]

I don't know much about the AFP test but benign conditions can also cause an elevated result. That's the case for the CA125 test also. I know the CA125 test is more useful in assessing the efficacy of ovarian cancer treatment than diagnosing ovarian cancer. Some sites don't even mention the AFP test for ovarian cancer but for other cancers, specifically, liver, testicular, brain, mediastinum, blood.

With your family history of ovarian cancer, have you considered genetic (BRCA1, BRCA2) testing?

[Amanarae]

Actually wasn't aware, but when I go back to the Dr to have the repeat ultrasound ect, I will definitely question this. Thank you very much for the information.