Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels increasing

Dear Ask The Doctor: "Alanine Aminotransferase test My Lab Range is 3-36. On Feb 9 2012 my number was 44 and on Mar 1 2012 it was 47 . It keep going up . Is this bad. I do have a histoy of Melanoma could this be the melanoma moving to my liver. Thank you, Nick

Dear Nick:Elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) suggests problem or damage to the liver. The ALT test is often done along with other tests that check for liver damage, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and bilirubin. Both ALT and AST levels are reliable tests for liver damage. It is difficult for my to tell you whether the increased levels are due to melanoma or due to effects of your medications on the liver. Further analysis is required by your doctor.