What Is Wilms Tumor?

Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a type of kidney cancer that occurs in children. It is the most common kidney cancer in children, usually diagnosed before the age of 5, and is extremely rare in adults.

Wilms tumor develops from immature kidney cells that fail to develop properly during fetal growth. It typically affects only one kidney, but in about 5% to 10% of cases, tumors can occur in both kidneys.

Most children with Wilms tumor are otherwise healthy, and the cause is usually not inherited. However, a small number of cases are associated with genetic syndromes or birth defects such as:

  • WAGR syndrome
  • Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
  • Denys–Drash syndrome

The most common symptom is a painless swelling or lump in the abdomen, often discovered by a parent or during a routine checkup. Other symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever
  • Nausea or poor appetite
  • High blood pressure

Diagnosis typically involves ultrasound, CT scans, and blood and urine tests. A biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact type of tumor.

Treatment for Wilms tumor usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, depending on the tumor’s stage and size. In many cases, the affected kidney is surgically removed.

The outlook for Wilms tumor is very good, especially when caught early. With modern treatment, more than 90% of children with Wilms tumor survive long term and go on to lead healthy lives.

Regular follow-up is important to monitor kidney function and detect any signs of recurrence or side effects from treatment.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Blood in the Urine or Hematuria?

Image
Introduction Blood in the urine, medically known as hematuria, is a condition where red blood cells are present in the urine. Hematuria can be alarming, but it is not always a sign of a serious medical condition. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from infections to more serious conditions such as kidney disease or bladder cancer. This guide provides an in-depth explanation of what hematuria is, its causes, types, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies. By understanding the potential causes and how it is diagnosed and treated, patients and their loved ones can be better informed about this condition. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, ranging from minor infections to more serious issues such as kidney disease or cancer. While it can be alarming, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Understanding Hematuria Hematur...
Read more

What Are the Kidneys and What Do They Do?

Image
Introduction The kidneys are essential organs that play a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. These two bean-shaped organs, located just below the ribcage on either side of the spine, serve as the body's natural filtration system. Every day, they filter large volumes of blood, removing waste products, toxins, and excess fluid, which are then excreted as urine. While their primary role is to filter blood, the kidneys also regulate blood pressure, balance body fluids, support red blood cell production, and maintain healthy bones. Understanding what kidneys are and how they function provides valuable insights into their importance for health. This article explores the structure, function, and essential role of the kidneys in the body. The kidneys are essential organs responsible for filtering blood, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, supporting red blood cell production, and promoting bone health. When kidney function is compromised, it can lead to serio...
Read more

What are the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer?

Image
Introduction Kidney cancer is a serious disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the kidneys begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below the ribcage on either side of the spine. Their primary role is to filter blood, remove waste, and balance fluids in the body. When kidney cancer develops, it can disrupt these vital functions and, if left untreated, may spread to other parts of the body. Kidney cancer is one of the more common cancers in adults, with early detection playing a crucial role in successful treatment. This article explains what kidney cancer is, highlights its symptoms and causes, and outlines the treatment options available to patients, caregivers, and loved ones. Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the kidneys begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. It often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer progresses, certain signs and symptoms such as blood in the urine, bac...
Read more