How serious is Wilms tumor?

How serious is Wilms tumor?

Over the years, advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of Wilms’ tumor have greatly improved the outlook (prognosis) for children with this disease. With appropriate treatment, the outlook for most children with Wilms’ tumor is very good.

What are the signs and symptoms of a Wilms tumor?

Swelling or a large lump in the abdomen (belly) This is often the first sign of a Wilms tumor. Parents may notice swelling or hardness in the belly while bathing or dressing the child. The lump is sometimes large enough to be felt on both sides of the belly. It’s usually not painful, but it might be in some children.

What age is Wilms tumor?

Wilms tumors tend to occur in young children. The average age at diagnosis is about 3 to 4 years. These tumors become less common as children grow older. They’re very rare in adults, although cases have been reported.

Is Stage 4 Wilms tumor curable?

The overall cure rate is approximately 85%, with about 90% of Stage I, 99% of Stage II, 85% of Stage III, 66% of Stage IV, and 66% of unfavorable histology (UH) patients cured. Patients with initial Stage I or Stage II Wilms Tumor who relapse can still be cured using more intense chemotherapy.

How long is chemo for Wilms tumor?

Chemo is given for about 6 months. Anaplastic histology, with focal (only a little) anaplasia: Treatment starts with surgery if it can be done, followed by radiation therapy over several weeks. This is followed by chemo, usually with 3 drugs (actinomycin D, vincristine, and doxorubicin) for about 6 months.

Is Wilms tumor genetic?

Inheritance. Most cases of Wilms tumor are not caused by inherited genetic factors and do not cluster in families. Approximately 90 percent of these cancers are due to somatic mutations, which means that the mutations are acquired during a person’s lifetime and are present only in the tumor cells.

Who is at risk for Wilms tumor?

Wilms tumors are most common in young children, with the average age being about 3 to 4 years. They are less common in older children, and rare in adults. In the United States, the risk of Wilms tumor is slightly higher in African American children than in white children and is lowest among Asian American children.

What are The racial predilections of Wilms tumor?

The risk for developing Wilms tumor is higher in African Americans than Caucasians, and lower among Asians. Children with Wilms tumor in one kidney are usually diagnosed around 3 years of age.

Why St Jude for Wilms tumor?

St. Jude has extensive experience treating children with bilateral Wilms tumor (cancer on both kidneys). Nearly 20% of children in the United States with bilateral Wilms tumor have their surgery performed at St. Jude. Our surgeons pioneered an approach to remove the malignant tumor, sparing healthy kidney tissue.

What is Wilms tumor syndrome?

This syndrome includes Wilms’ tumor, kidney disease and male pseudohermaphroditism (soo-do-her-MAF-roe-dit-iz-um), in which a boy is born with testicles but may exhibit female characteristics. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Children with this syndrome tend to be significantly larger than average (macrosomia).

Should I be worried about Wilms’tumor?

Make an appointment with your child’s doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms that worry you. Wilms’ tumor is rare, so it’s much more likely that something else is causing symptoms, but it’s important to check out any concerns. It’s not clear what causes Wilms’ tumor, but in rare cases, heredity may play a role.