AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: The diagnosis of HCC without pathologic confirmation can be achieved by assessing the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level combined with imaging techniques, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography [7], but effective test strategies should be considered to improve the early diagnostic rate of HCC including the combined detection of several serum markers that can complete each other in order to improve the early diagnostic rate [8].