Wilms' Tumor Wilms' tumor is a cancer that originates in the cells of the kidney. It occurs in children from infancy to age 15, is rare in older patients, and is very different from adult kidney cancers. It may rarely be hereditary, and about 5 percent of the cases involve both kidneys. Parents frequently bring Wilms' tumor to the attention of the doctor after they have noticed a slight swelling or a lump in their child's abdomen. Symptoms such as blood in the urine, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain may or may not be present.
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and review of the child's medical history.
An IVP is the x-ray method most often used. Ultrasound pictures and other types of examination may be ordered as needed. Wilms' tumor is one of several cancers for which treatments have been developed combining surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The way in which these three methods will be used depends upon the child's medical history and general health and, above all, on the extent of the disease. Radiation therapy, for example, is not often used in children under the age of 2 when their disease is localized.