Nephroblastoma (Wilms' Tumour)

Overview

Nephroblastoma or Wilms' tumour is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. The disease is estimated to occur in about 1 out of 200000 to 250000 children - the majority under the age of three. It usually affects just one kidney but about 5% of those stricken have cancer in both kidneys. Wilms' tumour is curable in about 90 per cent of cases.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. However nephroblastoma has been associated with urinary tract abnormalities at birth. Because it is more common among some siblings and twins scientists suspect a genetic link.

Symptoms

  • abdominal pain
  • blood in the urine (occurs in less than 1/4 of children)
  • constipation
  • fever
  • high blood pressure
  • increased growth on only one side of the body
  • loss of appetite
  • malaise
  • nausea and vomiting
  • swelling in the abdomen (abdominal hernia or mass)

Treatment

Your child's chance of recovery and method of treatment depends on his or her age and general health as well as the stage of the cancer how the cancer cells look under a microscope and the size of the tumour. Treatment typically involves surgery followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.