Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor is a kidney tumor found almost always in children more then 95%. This condition represents nearly 90% of kidney tumors in children.

Wilms tumor is also called nephroblastoma. Usually, there is only one tumor on one kidney, but there can sometimes be tumors on both kidneys bilateral.

The risk is higher in Black children than Asian children. Wilms tumor is more common in girls.Wilms tumor has genetic predisposition.

Very rarely, people with Wilms tumor also have other congenital syndromes. Some of these syndromes include:

• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
• WAGR syndrome
• Denys-Drash syndrome (also known as Drash syndrome)

Signs and symptoms of Wilms tumor include:

• A swollen spot or hard lump in your child’s abdomen
• Pain in their abdomen.
• Blood in their urine (hematuria).
• Fever.
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

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If you’ve found a lump  accidentally near your baby’s diaper line.

If your child has one of the syndromes or genetic issues associated with Wilms.

Tests to diagnose Wilms tumor include:

A physical examination

Imaging test

abdominal ultrasound,

CT scan – usually with contrast. 

X-ray chest or CT scan chest to find out metastasis.

Laboratory tests of blood and urine.

 Biopsy

There are two different ways to stage Wilms tumor. Staging is the name for the way that healthcare providers determine if and how far the cancer has spread beyond its original location. The higher the number, the farther the cancer has spread.

Under the COG system, staging is as follows:

• A Stage 1 tumor is only in your child's kidney and is removed completely during surgery.
• A Stage 2 tumor has grown past your child's kidney, but is also removed completely.
• A Stage 3 tumor isn’t able to be removed completely and some tissue remains in your child's abdominal area.
• A Stage 4 tumor has grown beyond your child's abdomen and pelvis to places like their lungs, liver, bone or brain.
• A Stage 5 tumor is bilateral, or present in both kidneys.

Wilms tumor is almost always treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Sometimes,radiation therapy.

Many children with low-risk tumors are treated with surgery alone if the tumor hasn’t spread and can be taken out completely. Sometimes, your child may be treated with chemotherapy before surgery to make the tumor smaller and surgery safer.