Wilms Tumor - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult if my child has a hard mass in the abdomen area?

Pediatric urologist or a pediatric surgeon will do the surgery for Wilm's tumor. One should first visit a pediatrician who will refer you to the specialist. A pediatric oncologist maybe required if chemotherapy or radiotherapy is planned.

2. Is Wilms tumor hereditary?

The chance of Wilms tumor being hereditary is so rare that there is no test to screen those who may pass this disease onto their offsprings. However, certain genetic factors like birth defect syndromes can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Those with a family history of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, WAGR, or Denys-Drash syndrome are at risk.

3. How common is Wilms tumor?

Wilms tumor is a tumor affecting the children and is the fourth most common type (5%) of childhood cancer and the most common type of kidney cancer in children.

Every year, about 500 new cases of Wilms tumor are found in the United States, affecting about one in every 10,000 children. Further, the risk for developing Wilms tumor is higher in African Americans than Caucasians, and lower among Asians. Sometimes, Wilms tumor is also found in older children and even adults.


4. Should we consider complementary and alternative methods for treatment of Wilms tumor?

Complementary methods are used along with regular medical care and include vitamins, herbs, special diets, acupuncture and massage. Although, some of these methods give relief from symptoms and help child feel better, but there is no research supporting their role and some might even be dangerous. It is always better to inform the child's cancer care team about the method you are using.

5. What type of follow-up will my child need after treatment?

As in most of the cases, the affected kidney is removed, blood and urine tests will be done to check how the other kidney is working. If chemotherapy had been given, then doctors will also have to check the function of the child's heart.

After surgery, follow up will be at least for 5 years, if not longer. Generally, after the initial discharge, the first follow up will be after 2 weeks or at after a month. If no further treatment is planned, follow up would be at 3 months, 6 months and then yearly for five years.

The follow-up schedule should include physical exams and imaging tests such as chest X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans to observe for the growth or return of the tumor, or any problems related to treatment.

• Children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome are at high risk for developing Wilms tumor and should be monitored with renal ultrasound every 3-4 months until 7 years of age.

6. What are the long-term effects of treatment for Wilms Tumor?

The long term effects depend on the specific treatments used, the doses of the treatment, and the age of the child while treated. Some of these late effects may include:

• Problems in the heart or lung function due to certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy.
• Reduced kidney function
• Attenuated or delayed growth and development
• Changes in sexual development and ability to have children, especially in girls.

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