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Wilms Tumor

Wilms Tumor
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Wilms tumor is a solid cancerous tumor that may affect one or both kidneys. It may also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Named after Max Wilms, a German doctor who described the condition in 1899, Wilms tumor is the most common type of kidney cancer in children, and the fourth most common type of childhood cancer. Around 500 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

Wilms tumor can occur at any age and is equally common in boys and girls. It is usually diagnosed in children around 3 years of age. It is more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians and is less common in Asian children.

There are often no symptoms for Wilms tumor until the cancer is advanced and the tumor is large. You or your child may feel or see a firm lump, especially on one side of the body. Other symptoms of Wilms tumor include:

  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Hematuria (blood in the urine)
  • High blood pressure

It is uncommon for Wilms tumor to run in families. There are no known environmental risk factors, although more research is needed. For most children, there is no known cause, although children with certain syndromes are more likely to develop Wilms tumor. These syndromes include: 

  • WAGR syndrome. This is a disorder that affects many body systems and is named for its main features—Wilms tumor, aniridia (lack of irises in the eyes) and abnormal development of genitalia, especially in boys. 
  • Denys-Drash syndrome. This condition is characterized by kidney disease that begins within the first few months of life. 
  • Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Children born with this condition are considerably larger than normal (macrosomia) as infants and tend to be taller than their peers during childhood. In some children, specific parts of the body or one side of the body may grow abnormally large, leading to an asymmetric or uneven appearance. This is called hemihypertrophy.

The outlook for survival depends on the extent of the condition and how aggressive the cancer is. For most patients, long-term survival is excellent. Eighty-five to 90 percent of Wilms tumor patients who have less aggressive cancers are cured with treatment. Patients with more aggressive tumors require more intensive treatments. All patients require long-term medical follow-up care for chronic medical problems such as high blood pressure.

Diagnosis of Wilms Tumor

If your child has symptoms of Wilms tumor, a pediatric oncologist at Riley at IU Health can schedule the following studies and procedures to make a diagnosis:

  • Ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. The doctor may use this imaging tool to detect Wilms tumor in the kidneys.
  • Computed tomography (CT). This fast, painless imaging procedure creates multiple detailed or three-dimensional images of the kidneys to detect a tumor.
  • Biopsy. A sample of tumor tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

Treatments

Treatments

Wilms tumor may be treated with one or a combination of the following:

  • Surgery. A biopsy of the tumor or the entire kidney and tumor are removed during surgery.
  • Chemotherapy. This cancer treatment uses medicines taken by mouth or intravenously to destroy cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy. High-energy radiation is directed on the tumor to shrink or destroy it or to kill cancer cells that have spread outside the kidney.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Wilms tumor is a solid cancerous tumor that may affect one or both kidneys.
  • It is the most common type of kidney cancer in children, and the fourth most common type of childhood cancer.
  • Symptoms of Wilms tumor do not usually appear until the cancer is advanced. Symptoms may include swelling of the abdomen, abdominal pain, fever, hematuria and high blood pressure.
  • Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  • Long-term survival is excellent for most patients.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about Wilms tumor:

We offer a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

American Cancer Society

Read about the causes and risk factors of Wilms tumor and find more resources on the American Cancer Society website.

Wilms Tumor Research

Wilms Tumor Research

The Cancer & Blood Diseases Department at Riley Children's Health is actively involved in research for Wilms tumor. We are part of the Children’s Oncology Group Phase 1 & Pilot Consortium, which is working to find better treatments for childhood cancer, including Wilms tumor. Ask your child's doctor for more information about our current research studies and clinical trials.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 5 facilities offering Wilms Tumor care by entering your city or zip below.

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Cancer & Blood Disorders
  • Precision Genomics Program

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