Wilms Tumor

Wilms’ tumour is a type of kidney cancer that was named after Dr Max Wilms, who first described it. It is thought to develop from immature cells in the embryo. These cells are involved in the development of the child’s kidneys while they are in the womb.
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The cells usually disappear at birth, but in many children with Wilms’ tumour, clusters of primitive kidneys cells, called nephrogenic rests can still be found.
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The most common symptom is a swollen abdomen, which is usually painless. Sometimes a parent or carer may feel a lump in the abdomen which can be quite large. Occasionally, the tumour may bleed slightly and this can irritate the kidney and may be painful. There may be blood in your child’s urine, or their blood pressure may be raised. The child may feel tired, and also have a high temperature (fever), upset stomach, weight loss or a lack of appetite.
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Treatment varies depending on the extent of the disease but may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of treatments.