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Signs & Symptoms of Neoplastic Disease

Wilms' tumor, also referred to as neoplastic disease or nephroblastoma, is a rare form of kidney cancer that occurs in young children. Generally, it affects only one kidney and typically develops between the ages of 3 and 4. It is rare for Wilms' tumor to occur after the age of 6

  1. Early Stages

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, early stages of Wilms' tumor are asymptomatic. Most of these tumors are found before they have a chance to spread to other parts of the body.

    Symptoms

    • As the tumor grows and symptoms arise, the child may experience loss of appetite, stomach pain, fever, nausea, blood in urine, abdominal swelling, constipation and high blood pressure.

    Risk

    • Your children may have a slightly higher risk of developing Wilms' tumor if they have previously been diagnosed with aniridia, hemihypertrophy, undescended testicles or hypospadias.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis of Wilms' tumor is often done by using imaging technology such as an ultrasound or CAT scan.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for Wilms' tumor generally consist of removing the affected kidney. If the cancer has spread, radiation and chemotherapy may be required.

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