Gynaecological oncology mnemonic

Ovarian tumour markers

The mnemonic

CA-125, AFP, hCG, LDH, inhibin

What each word stands for

  • CA-125Epithelial tumours
  • AFPYolk sac tumour
  • hCGChoriocarcinoma, dysgerminoma (some)
  • LDHDysgerminoma
  • InhibinGranulosa cell tumour

Why it matters clinically

Selects the right marker panel in a young woman with an adnexal mass.

Where it stops being reliable

Markers support but do not replace histology, and several are raised in benign conditions.

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

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Gynaecological oncology mnemonic?

CA-125, AFP, hCG, LDH, inhibin. It helps you recall: Ovarian tumour markers.

What does "CA-125" stand for?

Epithelial tumours

What does "AFP" stand for?

Yolk sac tumour

What does "hCG" stand for?

Choriocarcinoma, dysgerminoma (some)

What are all the parts of the CA-125, AFP, hCG, LDH, inhibin mnemonic?

CA-125: Epithelial tumours; AFP: Yolk sac tumour; hCG: Choriocarcinoma, dysgerminoma (some); LDH: Dysgerminoma; Inhibin: Granulosa cell tumour.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Gynaecological oncology in OBG.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Markers support but do not replace histology, and several are raised in benign conditions.

How is this useful clinically?

Selects the right marker panel in a young woman with an adnexal mass.

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 OBG question about Gynaecological 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.