Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor, also called nephroblastoma, is a malignant kidney tumor that almost exclusively affects young children, typically between 2 and 5 years of age. It arises from immature kidney cells and is the most common pediatric renal cancer, often presenting as a painless abdominal mass, sometimes with abdominal pain, hematuria, fever, or high blood pressure.

Diagnosis relies on imaging such as ultrasound and CT or MRI scans, followed by histopathological confirmation. Standard treatment includes nephrectomy (surgical removal of the affected kidney) combined with risk-adapted chemotherapy and, in selected cases, radiotherapy, which has led to survival rates of around 90% in high?income settings. Prognosis depends on tumor stage, histology (favorable vs anaplastic), bilateral involvement, and specific genetic changes, so children require long?term follow?up for late effects on kidney and cardiac function.?