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Wilms tumor
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Wilms tumor

Wilms tumor is a common form of childhood kidney cancer that primarily affects children under ten, boasting a high survival rate of 90 percent with proper treatment.

Overview and Symptoms

Wilms tumor is a form of kidney cancer that primarily develops in children. Nearly all cases of Wilms tumor are diagnosed before the age of 10, with two-thirds being found before age 5.

Wilms tumor is often first noticed because of abdominal swelling or a mass that can be felt upon physical examination. Some affected children have:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • A low number of red blood cells
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness (lethargy)

Wilms tumor can develop in one or both kidneys. About 5 to 10 percent of affected individuals develop multiple tumors in one or both kidneys. Wilms tumor may spread from the kidneys to other parts of the body. In rare cases, Wilms tumor does not involve the kidneys and occurs instead in the abdomen

Frequently Asked Questions

Survivors need regular follow‑up visits every 3–6 months for the first few years, including physical exams, blood pressure checks, and imaging (ultrasound or CT) to monitor the remaining kidney and detect recurrence. Annual kidney function tests and screening for late effects of chemotherapy (e.g., heart or lung function) are also recommended.
Treatment usually combines surgery to remove the affected kidney (nephrectomy) with chemotherapy. In favorable‑risk cases, chemotherapy is given before (neoadjuvant) and after (adjuvant) surgery for a total of about 6–9 months. Higher‑risk or metastatic disease may also require radiation therapy and a longer chemotherapy course.
The most common early clue is a painless, firm swelling or lump in the abdomen that can be felt through the skin. Some children may also develop unexplained abdominal pain, blood in the urine, loss of appetite, or high blood pressure. Any new abdominal mass should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Doctors usually start with an abdominal ultrasound to visualize the kidney and mass. If the ultrasound suggests a tumor, a contrast‑enhanced CT scan or MRI is ordered to assess size, location, and spread. Definitive diagnosis requires a needle or surgical biopsy, where tissue is examined for characteristic cancer cells.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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