Neoplasia mnemonic

Small round blue cell tumours of childhood

The mnemonic

MERLiN

What each word stands for

  • MMedulloblastoma
  • EEwing sarcoma
  • RRhabdomyosarcoma
  • LLymphoma
  • NNeuroblastoma

Why it matters clinically

Gives the differential when biopsy shows sheets of primitive small blue cells; immunohistochemistry then separates them.

Where it stops being reliable

Wilms tumour and retinoblastoma are also small blue cell tumours and are not in the list.

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

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Neoplasia mnemonic?

MERLiN. It helps you recall: Small round blue cell tumours of childhood.

What does "M" stand for?

Medulloblastoma

What does "E" stand for?

Ewing sarcoma

What does "R" stand for?

Rhabdomyosarcoma

What are all the parts of the MERLiN mnemonic?

M: Medulloblastoma; E: Ewing sarcoma; R: Rhabdomyosarcoma; L: Lymphoma; N: Neuroblastoma.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Neoplasia in Pathology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Wilms tumour and retinoblastoma are also small blue cell tumours and are not in the list.

How is this useful clinically?

Gives the differential when biopsy shows sheets of primitive small blue cells; immunohistochemistry then separates them.

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.