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Wilms' Tumor |
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Wilms' tumor and other childhood kidney tumors are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the kidney. Wilms' tumor Wilms' tumor and other kidney tumors are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the kidney. In Wilms' tumor, one or more tumors may be found in one or both kidneys. There are two kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the waist. Tiny tubules in the kidneys filter and clean the blood, taking out waste products and making urine. The urine passes from each kidney through a long tube called a ureter into the bladder. The bladder holds the urine until it is passed from the body. Wilms' tumor may spread to the lungs, liver, or nearby lymph nodes. Other kidney tumors Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney, rhabdoid tumor of the kidney, neuroepithelial tumor of the kidney, and renal cell cancer are also childhood kidney tumors, but they are not related to Wilms' tumor. Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney is a type of kidney tumor that may spread to the lung, bone, brain, and soft tissue. Rhabdoid tumor of the kidney is a type of cancer that occurs mostly in children under age 2. It grows and spreads quickly, often to the lungs and brain. Neuroepithelial tumors of the kidney are rare and usually occur in young adults. They grow and spread quickly. Renal cell cancer occurs rarely in children. It may spread to the lungs, liver, or lymph nodes. Having certain genetic syndromes or birth defects can increase the risk of developing Wilms' tumor. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Wilms' tumor may be part of a genetic syndrome that affects growth or development. A genetic syndrome is a set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and is usually caused by abnormal genes. Certain birth defects can also increase a child's risk for developing Wilms' tumor. The following genetic syndromes and birth defects have been linked to Wilms' tumor: WAGR (Wilms' tumor, aniridia, ambiguous genitalia, and mental retardation) syndrome. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Hemihypertrophy. Denys-Drash syndrome. Cryptorchidism. Hypospadias. Children with these genetic syndromes and birth defects should be screened for Wilms' tumor every three months until age 8. An ultrasound test may be used for screening. Possible signs of Wilms' tumor and other childhood kidney tumors include a lump in the abdomen and blood in the urine.
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