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Wilms' Tumor
Alternate Names : Kidney Tumor, Nephroblastoma
DefinitionWilms' tumor is a cancerous tumor of the kidney that occurs in children.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Wilms' tumor is one of the most common tumors of the abdomen in children and the most common type of kidney tumor. The exact cause of tumor formation in most children is unknown.
It is associated with certain birth defects including urinary tract abnormalities, absence of the iris (aniridia), and hemihypertrophy (enlargement of one side of the body). It is more common among some siblings and twins, which suggests a possible genetic cause. The tumor may become quite large, but usually remains encapsulated (self-enclosed). It may spread to other body tissues, especially the lungs.
The frequency of disease occurrence is estimated to be about 1 out of 200,000 to 250,000 children. The peak time of occurrence is at 3 years old, and Wilms' tumor is rare after the age of 8 years.
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• Definition
• Wilms' Tumor Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Wilms' Tumor Symptoms & Signs
• Wilms' Tumor Prevention
• Wilms' Tumor Diagnosis & Tests
• Wilms' Tumor Treatment
• Wilms' Tumor Prognosis
• Wilms' Tumor Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Anemia
• Cancer
• Tumor
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal CT Scan
• Abdominal Film
• BUN
• CBC
• Chest X-Ray
• Creatinine - Serum
• Creatinine Clearance
• Intravenous Pyelogram
• Urinalysis
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Abdominal Mass
• Abdominal Pain
• Appetite - Decreased
• Chemotherapy
• Chest Pain
• Constipation
• Cough
• Fever
• High Blood Pressure
• Iris
• Malaise
• Metastasis
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Palpation
• Physical Examination
• Protein in Diet
• Radiation Therapy
• Urine - Abnormal Color
• Urine - Bloody
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 7/17/2002
Reviewed By : Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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