By paired comparison, AFP and GPC-3 values were significantly different between patients with very early HCC vs. those with intermediate/advanced HCC and between patients with early HCC vs. those with intermediate/advanced HCC; serum PIVKA-II concentration was significantly different between patients with very early HCC vs. those with early HCC and between patients with very early HCC vs. those with intermediate/advanced HCC (Figure 5). Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.