Wilm's tumour

Wilms' tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a rare type of cancer that primarily affects children. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. The tumor usually occurs in just one kidney, but it can affect both kidneys in some cases. The cause of Wilms' tumor is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Wilms' tumor is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. These include certain genetic conditions such as WAGR syndrome, Denys-Drash syndrome, and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Children with a family history of Wilms' tumor are also at a higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Wilms' tumor include a swelling or lump in the abdomen, abdominal pain, blood in the urine (hematuria), fever, high blood pressure (hypertension), and loss of appetite. In some cases, the child may also experience nausea or vomiting.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Wilms' tumor typically involves a combination of physical examinations, blood and urine tests, imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, and a biopsy of the tumor. These diagnostic tools help determine the size of the tumor, its location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Treatment for Wilms' tumor usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, which may be followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy depending on the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the child's age, overall health, and the characteristics of the tumor.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Wilms' tumor is generally good, with a high survival rate, especially when the cancer is detected early and treated promptly. Advances in treatment have significantly improved outcomes for children with this disease.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent Wilms' tumor due to its unclear causes. However, regular medical check-ups can help in early detection, especially for children who are at a higher risk due to genetic conditions.

See Also

• Cancer in children
• Kidney cancer
• Oncology