Wilms’ Tumour

Wilms’ tumour is a tumour of the kidney in a child. It accounts for about 7 per cent of all cancer in children. The tumour usually develops before the age of four and certainly before the age of eight. The tumour grows to a great size very rapidly and may weigh up to 10 lb (4.5 kg) at the time of discovery. Parents who think that their child’s abdomen is swollen and note that the swelling persists for several days, should consult a doctor.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by means of an intravenous pyelogram. Chest X-rays and a bone and liver scan will reveal the extent of spread to other organs.

Treatment

The treatment of Wilms’ tumour consists of a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In very young children surgery, followed by chemotherapy to kill cancer cells which have spread to other parts of the body, may be enough without using radiotherapy as well. Approximately 80 per cent of all children with Wilms’ tumour are cured by this combined approach.