Summary about Disease
Wilms' tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a rare type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children, typically between the ages of 3 and 4. It is a malignant tumor that arises from immature kidney cells (nephroblasts) that failed to develop properly. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for Wilms' tumor is generally very good.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a painless abdominal mass or swelling. Other symptoms can include:
Abdominal pain
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Fever
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Constipation
Causes
The exact cause of Wilms' tumor is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from genetic mutations that occur during kidney development in the womb. In a small percentage of cases, Wilms' tumor is associated with certain genetic syndromes, such as:
WAGR syndrome (Wilms' tumor, Aniridia, Genitourinary abnormalities, and mental Retardation)
Denys-Drash syndrome
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Medicine Used
Treatment for Wilms' tumor typically involves a combination of:
Surgery: To remove the affected kidney (nephrectomy).
Chemotherapy: Drugs used to kill cancer cells. Common chemotherapy drugs used include dactinomycin, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells (used in some cases, depending on the stage and type of the tumor).
Is Communicable
Wilms' tumor is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Since the cause is primarily genetic, there are no specific precautions to prevent Wilms' tumor in the general population. However, for individuals with known genetic syndromes associated with an increased risk, regular screening and monitoring may be recommended. Prenatal vitamins including folate are generally recommended during pregnancy, but do not directly prevent this cancer.
How long does an outbreak last?
Wilms' tumor is not an infectious disease, and therefore there are no "outbreaks." The timeline refers to the duration of treatment and recovery for an individual patient. This can vary widely depending on the stage of the tumor and the specific treatment plan, ranging from several months to over a year.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical Exam: To detect any abdominal mass or other abnormalities.
Imaging Tests:
Ultrasound: To visualize the kidneys.
CT scan or MRI: To provide detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.
Chest X-ray or CT scan: To check for spread of cancer to the lungs.
Urine Tests: To check for blood in the urine.
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the tumor and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer cells.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can be gradual. A parent might notice a lump during bathing or dressing their child. Here's a general timeline:
Initial Phase: Often asymptomatic, with the tumor discovered incidentally during a routine exam or by a parent.
Early Symptoms: As the tumor grows, symptoms like abdominal swelling, pain, and loss of appetite may appear.
Advanced Symptoms: In more advanced cases, symptoms like blood in the urine, fever, and high blood pressure may develop. The duration of each phase can vary.
Important Considerations
Early Diagnosis is Key: Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of survival.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Treatment requires a team of specialists, including pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals.
Long-Term Follow-Up: Children who have been treated for Wilms' tumor require long-term follow-up to monitor for any potential late effects of treatment.
Fertility Considerations: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can potentially affect fertility. Discussing fertility preservation options with the medical team is important, especially for older children.
Genetic Counseling: If there is a family history of Wilms' tumor or associated genetic syndromes, genetic counseling may be recommended.