Haematology and oncology mnemonic

End-organ damage defining multiple myeloma

The mnemonic

CRAB

What each word stands for

  • CCalcium elevation
  • RRenal insufficiency
  • AAnaemia
  • BBone lesions

Why it matters clinically

Any of these attributable to plasma cell disease supports treatment-requiring myeloma.

Where it stops being reliable

Diagnosis also needs clonal plasma cells or a biomarker of malignancy, so CRAB alone is incomplete.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Haematology and oncology mnemonic?

CRAB. It helps you recall: End-organ damage defining multiple myeloma.

What does "C" stand for?

Calcium elevation

What does "R" stand for?

Renal insufficiency

What does "A" stand for?

Anaemia

What are all the parts of the CRAB mnemonic?

C: Calcium elevation; R: Renal insufficiency; A: Anaemia; B: Bone lesions.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Haematology and oncology in General Medicine.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Diagnosis also needs clonal plasma cells or a biomarker of malignancy, so CRAB alone is incomplete.

How is this useful clinically?

Any of these attributable to plasma cell disease supports treatment-requiring myeloma.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Medicine question about Haematology and oncology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.