Wilms tumor causes, symptoms and prevention

Wilms tumor (Nefroblastoma) is a kidney cancer found in children. Wilms tumor is usually found in children aged less than 5 years, but sometimes found in older children or adults.


CAUSE
The cause is unknown, but is thought to involve genetic factors. Wilms tumor associated with certain congenital abnormalities, such as:
- Abnormalities of the urinary tract
- Aniridia (no iris)
- Hemihipertrofi (enlargement of half of the body).

Tumors can grow quite large, but usually remain in the capsule. The tumor can spread to other body parts. Wilms tumor is found in about 1 in 200000-250000 children.


SYMPTOMS
The symptoms are:
- Abdomen enlarged (eg require diaper / nappies are sized larger)
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Malaise (feeling unwell)
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Overgrowth on one side of the body (hemihipertrofi).

In 15-20% of cases, there was hematuria (blood present in the urine). Wilms tumors can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Wilms tumor can spread to other body parts, especially the lungs, causing coughing and shortness of breath.


Diagnosis
On physical examination, can be felt a lump in the abdomen. Regular checks carried out:

* CT scan or MRI abdomen
* Abdominal ultrasound
* X-ray abdomen
* Chest X-rays (to see the spread of tumor to the chest)
* Complete blood (may indicate anemia)
* BUN
* Creatinine
* Urinalysis (urine analysis, could indicate the presence of blood or protein in urine)
* Pielogram intravenously.


TREATMENT
If the tumor can be removed, then immediately performed surgery. During surgery, the other kidney examined to determine whether the tumor is also affected. At about 4% of cases, Nefroblastoma occurs in both kidneys. During the surgery is also carried out an examination of the lymph nodes, abdominal organs, and other networks; if the cancer has spread, removal of these organs.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy (anti-cancer drug delivery, such as actinomycin D, vincristine or doxorubicin) started immediately after surgery, depending on the extent of cancer spread.


Prognosis

If the cancer has not spread and do surgery and chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the cure rate reached 90%.