A 25-year-old woman has a unilateral 8 cm ovarian tumor. Intraoperatively, the tumor appears solid-cystic with areas of calcification. Histology shows Schiller-Duval bodies. The MOST appropriate tumor marker to monitor in follow-up is:
- A AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) ✓
- B CA-125
- C hCG
- D LDH
Correct answer: A. AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
Explanation
Schiller-Duval bodies (glomeruloid structures resembling endodermal sinuses) are pathognomonic of yolk sac tumor (endodermal sinus tumor), a germ cell malignancy. AFP is the specific tumor marker for yolk sac tumors and is used for monitoring treatment response and recurrence. CA-125 is used for epithelial ovarian tumors; hCG is elevated in choriocarcinoma and embryonal carcinoma; LDH is a marker for dysgerminoma.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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