What is Wilms Tumor?

Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer that occurs almost only in children. It is the most common kidney tumor in childhood, making up about 90% of all kidney cancers in children.

Wilms tumor is also called nephroblastoma. In most cases, the tumor affects only one kidney, but sometimes:

• Both kidneys can be affected (bilateral Wilms tumor), or
• More than one tumor may be present in the same kidney

In a small number of children, Wilms tumor is linked to conditions present at birth, known as congenital syndromes.

Who does Wilms tumor affect?

Wilms tumor mainly affects young children.

• Most children are diagnosed before 10 years of age
• It is rare in teenagers and extremely rare in adults
• It occurs slightly more often in girls than boys
• It is seen more commonly in Black children and less commonly in Asian children

In a very small number of families, Wilms tumor can be passed down genetically.

Congenital syndromes linked with Wilms tumor

In rare cases, Wilms tumor is associated with certain genetic or congenital conditions, including:

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome

• Children have overgrowth of body parts
• One side of the body may be larger than the other
• Risk of Wilms tumor is about 5%–10%

WAGR syndrome

• Higher risk (about 50%) of developing Wilms tumor
• May also involve:
  1. Absence of iris in the eye (aniridia)
  2. Kidney and genital abnormalities

Denys–Drash syndrome

• Very high risk (up to 90%) of Wilms tumor
• Associated with kidney disease and genital abnormalities

Children with these conditions often need regular screening.

What are the signs and symptoms of Wilms tumor?

Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop slowly.

Common signs include:

• A swollen abdomen or a hard lump in the stomach area
  (usually painless)
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the urine
• Fever
• High blood pressure, which may cause:
  1. Headaches
  2. Nosebleeds
  3. Eye redness or bleeding

Sometimes the tumor becomes very large before it is noticed.

What causes Wilms tumor?

The exact cause of Wilms tumor is not known.

• Most cases happen by chance
• A small number are linked to genetic changes
• Parents do not cause Wilms tumor through lifestyle or behavior

How is Wilms tumor diagnosed?

Wilms tumor is often suspected when:

• A parent or doctor notices a lump in the child’s abdomen
• Diaper size suddenly increases due to abdominal swelling

Children with known genetic syndromes may undergo regular screening.

Tests used to diagnose Wilms tumor include:

• Physical examination, focusing on the abdomen
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• CT scan or MRI (usually with contrast) to:
  1. Confirm the tumor
  2. Check its size and spread
• Chest X-ray or CT scan to see if cancer has spread to the lungs
• Blood and urine tests to check kidney function, liver function, and blood clotting
• Biopsy, where a small sample of the tumor is examined under a microscope

Staging of Wilms tumor

Staging shows how far the cancer has spread.

Two staging systems are used:

• COG (Children’s Oncology Group) – used in the U.S. and Canada
• SIOP (International Society of Paediatric Oncology) – used in Europe

The main difference:

• COG stages the tumor after surgery
• SIOP stages the tumor after chemotherapy

COG staging system:

• Stage I: Tumor is only in the kidney and completely removed
• Stage II: Tumor has spread beyond the kidney but is fully removed
• Stage III: Tumor cannot be completely removed; some cancer remains in the abdomen
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs like lungs, liver, bones, or brain
• Stage V: Tumors are present in both kidneys

How is Wilms tumor treated?

Treatment usually involves a combination approach, including:

• Surgery to remove the tumor
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy (in some cases)

Treatment approach

• Some children with low-risk tumors may need surgery alone
• Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink large tumors
• Most chemotherapy is given through a vein (IV)
• Treatment may be given in the hospital or as outpatient care

Doctors closely monitor and manage side effects of treatment.

What is the outlook for children with Wilms tumor?

The outlook for Wilms tumor is very good, especially when:

• The tumor is completely removed
• Cancer has not spread to other organs

However, Wilms tumor can sometimes return (recur), which is why follow-up is important.

Is Wilms tumor life-threatening?

Wilms tumor is a serious cancer, and in rare cases, it can be fatal. However, with modern treatment, most children survive.

What is the survival rate?

• Around 90% of children with Wilms tumor are alive five years after diagnosis
• Survival depends on:
  1. Stage of the tumor
  2. Tumor size
  3. Type of cancer cells (histology)
  4. Response to treatment

Can Wilms' tumor be prevented?

No, there is no known way to prevent Wilms tumor, and nothing parents do causes it.

Living With

When should I contact a healthcare provider?

You should contact your child’s healthcare provider if:

• New symptoms appear
• Existing symptoms worsen
• Your child develops fever, pain, or urinary problems

Regular follow-up visits are essential after treatment.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Wilms tumor treatment for children in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Wilms tumor treatment for children in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced pediatric oncologists and pediatric surgeons who provide accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging, personalized medical care, and comprehensive surgical treatment tailored to each child's specific condition. Our Pediatric Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Wilms tumor in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Wilms tumor treatment for children in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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