Wilms Tumor

Also called: Nephroblastoma

Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer. It causes a tumor on one or both kidneys. It usually affects children, but can happen in adults. Having certain genetic conditions or birth defects can increase the risk of getting it. Children that are at risk should be screened for Wilms tumor every three months until they turn eight.

Symptoms include a lump in the abdomen, blood in the urine, and a fever for no reason. Tests that examine the kidney and blood are used to find the tumor.

Doctors usually diagnose and remove the tumor in surgery. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation and biologic therapies. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

Symptoms of Wilms Tumor

The following features are indicative of Wilms Tumor:
  • abdominal mass
  • abdominal swelling
  • abdominal pain
  • fever
  • blood in the urine
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • loss of appetite
  • shortness of breath
  • high blood pressure
It is possible that Wilms Tumor shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Wilms Tumor

The following are the most common causes of Wilms Tumor:
  • heredity factor
  • errors in the DNA

Risk Factors for Wilms Tumor

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Wilms Tumor:
  • Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

Prevention of Wilms Tumor

No, it is not possible to prevent Wilms Tumor.
  • heredity factor

Occurrence of Wilms Tumor

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Wilms Tumor cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Wilms Tumor most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged < 15 years

Common Gender

Wilms Tumor can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Wilms Tumor

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Wilms Tumor:
  • Physical exam: To look for possible signs of Wilms' tumor
  • Blood and urine tests: To evaluate the certain kidney problems or low blood counts
  • Imaging tests: To determine the kidney tumor

Doctor for Diagnosis of Wilms Tumor

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Wilms Tumor:
  • Oncologist
  • Urologist

Complications of Wilms Tumor if untreated

Yes, Wilms Tumor causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Wilms Tumor is left untreated:
  • hemorrhage

Procedures for Treatment of Wilms Tumor

The following procedures are used to treat Wilms Tumor:
  • Surgery: To remove all or part of a kidney
  • Chemotherapy: To destroy the cancer cells throughout the body
  • Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells by using high-energy beams

Patient Support for Treatment of Wilms Tumor

The following actions may help Wilms Tumor patients:
  • Stay with your child during a test or treatment: Makes them feeling better and comfortable
  • Join support groups: Helps in coping with the disease
  • Be prepared to talk with your other children about the illness: Provides information about the disease and tell the changes they might see in their sibling

Time for Treatment of Wilms Tumor

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Wilms Tumor to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • More than 1 year

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Wilms Tumor.

Related Topics

Kidney Cancer

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