A 52-year-old woman with abnormal uterine bleeding has a unilateral solid ovarian mass. Histology shows nests of uniform cells with angular 'coffee-bean' nuclei, grooved nuclear membranes, and Call-Exner bodies. Immunohistochemistry is positive for inhibin. Which tumor marker correlates with this neoplasm?
- A Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase
- B Inhibin B secretion by the tumor ✓
- C Markedly elevated beta-hCG
- D Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein
Correct answer: B. Inhibin B secretion by the tumor
Explanation
Adult granulosa cell tumor is a sex cord-stromal tumor producing estrogen, causing endometrial hyperplasia and abnormal bleeding. It shows coffee-bean grooved nuclei and Call-Exner bodies (small follicle-like spaces with eosinophilic fluid) and is strongly inhibin positive. LDH elevation points to dysgerminoma, beta-hCG to choriocarcinoma, and AFP to yolk sac tumor, none of which are estrogenic or inhibin secreting.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.