PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which laboratory test is primarily used to assess liver function in the context of hepatoma?

1. Complete blood count

2. Serum alpha-fetoprotein

3. Blood urea nitrogen

4. C-reactive protein

The correct answer is: Serum alpha-fetoprotein

The laboratory test that is primarily used to assess liver function in the context of hepatoma, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Elevated levels of AFP are particularly associated with liver cancer and are often utilized as a tumor marker. In patients with hepatoma, monitoring serum AFP can provide valuable information regarding tumor presence and progression, as levels tend to rise in these conditions. While other tests are important in general assessments of liver health, they do not specifically correlate with hepatoma. For example, a complete blood count may reveal anemia or other hematologic conditions, but it does not directly assess liver function or indicate the presence of liver tumors. Blood urea nitrogen is primarily used to evaluate kidney function and is not relevant in the context of hepatic malignancies. C-reactive protein is an inflammatory marker that can indicate the presence of inflammation or infection but does not provide specific insight into liver function or hepatoma. In summary, serum alpha-fetoprotein is the most relevant test in the context of hepatoma, providing direct insights into the function and pathology of the liver in relation to cancer.