A 40-year-old woman is found to have a 5 cm right ovarian mass with features of a granulosa cell tumour. She presents with menorrhagia. Which serum tumour marker is most specific for adult-type granulosa cell tumour and is used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence?

• A CA-125
• B Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
• C Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
• D Inhibin B ✓

Explanation

Inhibin B is the most specific and sensitive tumour marker for adult-type granulosa cell tumour (GCT) — it is secreted by granulosa cells and is significantly elevated in most GCTs, making it valuable for diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and detecting recurrence (often years later). AMH is also elevated in GCT and may be used alongside inhibin B. CA-125 is primarily an epithelial ovarian cancer marker and is less specific for GCT. AFP is elevated in yolk sac tumours. The menorrhagia in this case results from oestrogen production by the granulosa cell tumour causing endometrial hyperplasia.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.