Wilms Tumor

Summary

Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer. It causes a tumor on one or both kidneys. It usually affects children, but can happen in adults. Having certain genetic conditions or birth defects can increase the risk of getting it. Children that are at risk should be screened for Wilms tumor every three months until they turn eight.

Symptoms include a lump in the abdomen, blood in the urine, and a fever for no reason. Tests that examine the kidney and blood are used to find the tumor.

Doctors usually diagnose and remove the tumor in surgery. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation and biologic therapies. Biologic therapy boosts your body’s own ability to fight cancer.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

National Cancer Institute

Patient Handouts

• After chemotherapy – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
• Wilms tumor Medical Encyclopedia

Find an Expert

• American Cancer Society American Cancer Society
• Find a Cancer Doctor American Society of Clinical Oncology
• National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
• NCI Designated Cancer Centers National Cancer Institute
• Organizations that Offer Cancer Support Services National Cancer Institute

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Can Wilms Tumors Be Found Early? American Cancer Society

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Wilms Tumor National Institutes of Health

Reference Desk

• Dictionary of Cancer Terms National Cancer Institute
• Kidneys and Urinary Tract (For Parents) Nemours Foundation

Treatments and Therapies

• Drugs Approved for Wilms Tumor and Other Childhood Kidney Cancers National Cancer Institute
• Nephrectomy (Kidney Removal) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Treatment Option Overview (Wilms Tumor and Other Childhood Kidney Tumors) National Cancer Institute

Start Here

• General Information about Wilms Tumor and Other Childhood Kidney Tumors National Cancer Institute
• What Are Wilms Tumors? American Cancer Society
• Wilms Tumor Nemours Foundation

Genetics

• Learning about WAGR Syndrome National Human Genome Research Institute
• WAGR syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
• Wilms tumor: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Journal Articles

• Wilms Tumor

Symptoms

• Signs and Symptoms of Wilms Tumors American Cancer Society

Diagnosis and Tests

• Stages of Wilms Tumor National Cancer Institute
• Tests for Wilms Tumors American Cancer Society