Nephroblastoma

Nephroblastoma (also known as Wilms' tumor or Wilms tumor) is a rare type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It is the most common malignant tumor of the kidneys in children, accounting for approximately 90% of pediatric renal cancers.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of nephroblastoma is a painless swelling or lump in the abdomen, which is usually noticed by a parent or caregiver. Other symptoms may include blood in the urine, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Causes

The exact cause of nephroblastoma is unknown, but it is thought to develop from immature kidney cells. Some children with nephroblastoma have certain genetic conditions, such as WAGR syndrome, Denys-Drash syndrome, or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, which increase their risk of developing the disease.

Diagnosis

Nephroblastoma is usually diagnosed with a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and laboratory tests. A biopsy of the tumor may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for nephroblastoma typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. In some cases, radiation therapy may also be used. The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage of the disease, the child's overall health, and other factors.

Prognosis

The prognosis for children with nephroblastoma is generally good, with a survival rate of over 90% in cases that are diagnosed early and treated appropriately. However, the prognosis can be poorer in cases that are diagnosed at a later stage or that have certain unfavorable characteristics.

See also

• Pediatric oncology
• Renal cell carcinoma
• Kidney cancer

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