Signs and Symptoms of Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor is a very rare cancer of the kidneys that occurs primarily in young children under the age of five. Approximately 500 cases are diagnosed in the US annually, usually in children aged three to four. Wilms tumor has a very good prognosis, with over 90% of children surviving longer than five years. Wilms tumor occurs most often in one kidney, though it can sometimes occur in both kidneys. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of Wilms tumor below:

The Signs and Symptoms of Wilms Tumor are as follows:

• Blood in the urine
• A swollen abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• An abnormally large abdomem
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• An abdominal mass that can be palpated

The signs and symptoms of Wilms tumor mimic many other conditions. See your doctor if your child exhibits any of the above signs and symptoms.

Wilms tumor is slightly more common in girls and in African-Americans. It is more common if there is a family history of Wilms tumor, and in children who have certain abnormalities at birth.

If the tumor is only in one kidney, which is typical, often the entire kidney will be removed. If it is in both kidneys, a piece of the kidney will be removed.

Diagnosis of Wilms Tumor

A diagnosis of Wilms tumor is done with imaging tests such as a CT scan, an MRI or an ultrasound. If a tumor is found, the surgeon may recommend removing the entire kidney, which also serves as the treatment for Wilms tumor.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Wilms Tumor

Wilms Tumor Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of Wilms tumor. Information about Wilms tumor and other childhood kidney tumors: treatment, clinical trials, research, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/wilms/Patient

• Ped-Onc Resource Center

Outline includes warning signs, treatment, statistics and access to a discussion group. Links provided for further exploration.

http://www.ped-onc.org/diseases/wilms.html

• Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Detailed information on Wilms tumor, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/oncology/wilms.html

• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Information on Wilms tumor including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, provided by Cincinnati Children’s.

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/w/wilms-tumor/

• About . com

Article describes Wilms’ tumor, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

http://rarediseases.about.com/od/rarediseasesw/a/wilms05.htm

• RD

Wilms tumor information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and prognosis.

http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/w/wilms_tumor/intro.htm

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of this childhood kidney cancer

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wilms-tumor/DS00436

• Pub Med Health

Reviews causes, incidence, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002542/