In addition to its numerous other hypothesised uses, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a polypeptide of the albuminoid genefamily that is related with foetal tumours, binds andtransports molecules. 1 Although the liver and yolk sac ofthe foetus manufacture this secretory protein, the adultliver only has negligible amounts of it. 2 Hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC) exhibits immunohistochemical AFPexpression.