Summary about Disease
Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) is a rare type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children, typically between the ages of 3 and 4. It's a cancerous growth that originates in the cells of the kidneys. It's often discovered when a parent or caregiver feels a lump in the child's abdomen. With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis is generally very good.
Symptoms
A painless lump in the abdomen (most common)
Abdominal swelling
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Fever
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Causes
The exact cause of Wilms tumor is often unknown. In many cases, it appears to be related to genetic mutations that occur randomly during fetal development. In a small percentage of cases, Wilms tumor is associated with inherited genetic syndromes, such as:
WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and mental retardation)
Denys-Drash syndrome
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Medicine Used
The specific chemotherapy drugs used depend on the stage and type of Wilms tumor. Common medications include:
Dactinomycin
Vincristine
Doxorubicin
Cyclophosphamide
Ifosfamide
Etoposide
Carboplatin
Is Communicable
No, Wilms tumor is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent Wilms tumor, as the exact cause is often unknown and not preventable. However, for individuals with known genetic syndromes associated with an increased risk of Wilms tumor, regular screening and monitoring may be recommended.
How long does an outbreak last?
Wilms tumor is not an infectious disease, therefore the term "outbreak" does not apply. Wilms tumor is a cancerous tumor that once identified the patient receives immediate attention until their therapy is completed.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: Doctor will palpate the abdomen to feel for a lump.
Urine and blood tests: These can help assess kidney function and rule out other conditions.
Imaging tests:
Abdominal ultrasound: Used to visualize the kidneys and identify a mass.
CT scan: Provides detailed images of the abdomen and chest to determine the size and extent of the tumor and check for spread to other organs.
MRI: May be used for more detailed imaging.
Chest X-ray: To check for spread to the lungs.
Biopsy: A sample of the tumor tissue may be taken for examination under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of Wilms tumor. This is usually done after surgery.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can be gradual. Often, the first sign is a lump in the abdomen that is noticed incidentally. The timeline of symptoms can vary from person to person. The tumor growth will dictate if the person is experiencing symptoms.
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial: The earlier Wilms tumor is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Treatment is multimodal: Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy.
Long-term follow-up is necessary: Children who have been treated for Wilms tumor require long-term monitoring to watch for any late effects of treatment or recurrence of the cancer.
Genetic counseling: If there is a family history of Wilms tumor or associated genetic syndromes, genetic counseling may be recommended.
Psychosocial support: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging for both the child and their family. Psychosocial support services can help families cope with the stress and anxiety associated with the disease.