A 42-year-old woman treated 3 years ago for a Stage IA adult granulosa cell tumour presents for follow-up. Which serum marker is most appropriate for surveillance of recurrence in this tumour type?
- A CA-125
- B Alpha-fetoprotein
- C Inhibin B ✓
- D Lactate dehydrogenase
Correct answer: C. Inhibin B
Explanation
Adult granulosa cell tumours secrete inhibin, and serum inhibin B correlates with tumour burden and rises before clinical detection of recurrence, making serial inhibin measurement the standard surveillance tool alongside clinical examination. CA-125 reflects epithelial tumours, alpha-fetoprotein marks yolk sac tumours, and lactate dehydrogenase is the marker for dysgerminoma. Because recurrences occur late, sometimes decades later, prolonged marker follow-up is advised.
Reference: Williams Gynecology, 3rd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.