Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Wilms' tumor

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Nephroblastoma; Kidney tumor


Symptoms
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Fever
  • General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased growth on only one side of the body
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Swelling in the abdomen (abdominal hernia or mass)
  • Vomiting

Note: Abnormal urine color may also be associated with this disease.


Signs and tests

Special emphasis is placed on the history and physical exam. The doctor may ask if you have a family history of cancer and look for associated birth defects in the child.

A physical examination reveals an abdominal mass. High blood pressure may also be present.

Blood in the urine occurs in less than 25% of children.

Tests include:

  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Abdominal x-ray
  • BUN
  • Chest x-ray
  • Complete blood count (may show anemia)
  • Creatinine
  • Creatinine clearance
  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • Intravenous pyelogram
  • Urinalysis

Other tests may be required to determine if the tumor has spread.


Review Date: 06/07/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)