Neoplasia mnemonic

Common tumours that metastasise to bone

The mnemonic

Prostate, Breast, Kidney, Thyroid, Lung

What each word stands for

  • ProstateTypically sclerotic deposits
  • BreastLytic or mixed deposits
  • KidneyRenal cell carcinoma, lytic
  • ThyroidFollicular carcinoma, lytic
  • LungLytic deposits

Why it matters clinically

Guides the search for a primary site in a patient with multiple bone lesions.

Where it stops being reliable

Lists sites only, not their relative frequency; multiple myeloma is not a metastasis.

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

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Neoplasia mnemonic?

Prostate, Breast, Kidney, Thyroid, Lung. It helps you recall: Common tumours that metastasise to bone.

What does "Prostate" stand for?

Typically sclerotic deposits

What does "Breast" stand for?

Lytic or mixed deposits

What does "Kidney" stand for?

Renal cell carcinoma, lytic

What are all the parts of the Prostate, Breast, Kidney, Thyroid, Lung mnemonic?

Prostate: Typically sclerotic deposits; Breast: Lytic or mixed deposits; Kidney: Renal cell carcinoma, lytic; Thyroid: Follicular carcinoma, lytic; Lung: Lytic deposits.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Neoplasia in Pathology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Lists sites only, not their relative frequency; multiple myeloma is not a metastasis.

How is this useful clinically?

Guides the search for a primary site in a patient with multiple bone lesions.

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 Pathology question about Neoplasia.

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.