Wilms Tumor: A Rare But Curable Kidney Cancer in Children
Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most common form of kidney cancer in children. It develops when cancerous (malignant) kidney cells multiply out of control, eventually forming a mass. This mass usually is smooth and fairly round. As it grows, Wilms tumor changes the normal shape and appearance of the kidney.
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What are the Symptoms and Causes of Wilms Tumor?
Most children with Wilms tumor have no symptoms, except for a noticeable lump or swelling in the abdomen. Some may also have fever, blood in the urine, low red blood cell level (anemia), or high blood pressure.
The exact cause of Wilms tumor is not known, but some factors may increase the risk of developing it, such as:
How is Wilms Tumor Diagnosed and Treated?
Wilms tumor is diagnosed by physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or chest X-ray), and biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination).
The treatment of Wilms tumor depends on the stage (extent) of the disease, the histology (type) of the tumor cells, and the age and general health of the child. The main treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Surgery involves removing the affected kidney (nephrectomy) and sometimes nearby lymph nodes or other organs. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors.
The combination of these treatments has greatly improved the prognosis for children with Wilms tumor. With appropriate treatment, more than 90% of children with favorable histology Wilms tumor survive for at least five years. However, some children may have long-term side effects from the treatments, such as kidney damage, growth problems, infertility, or secondary cancers.
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Conclusion
Wilms tumor, a rare but treatable kidney cancer in children, can disrupt kidney function and appearance while leading to various symptoms and complications. However, with prompt diagnosis and the right treatment, the majority of affected children can survive and enjoy normal lives. In the realm of Latest Pharma News, this article aims to offer fundamental insights into Wilms tumor, encompassing its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, enabling a better understanding of the disease and its management.
FAQs
1. What is Wilms tumor?
A. Wilms tumor is the most common form of kidney cancer in children. It develops when cancerous kidney cells multiply out of control, forming a mass.
2. What are the symptoms of Wilms tumor?
A. Most children with Wilms tumor have no symptoms, except for a noticeable lump or swelling in the abdomen. Some may also have fever, blood in the urine, anemia, or high blood pressure.
3. What are the risk factors for Wilms tumor?
A. The exact cause of Wilms tumor is not known, but some factors may increase the risk, such as being Black, having a family history of Wilms tumor or certain genetic conditions, or having certain congenital anomalies.
4. How is Wilms tumor diagnosed and treated?
A. Wilms tumor is diagnosed by physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, and biopsy. The treatment depends on the stage, histology, and age of the child. The main treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
5. What is the prognosis for children with Wilms tumor?
A. With appropriate treatment, more than 90% of children with favorable histology Wilms tumor survive for at least five years. However, some children may have long-term side effects from the treatments.