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Wilm’s tumor (called nephroblastoma) is a kidney cancer that may develop in the fetus but might not result in symptoms for years after the child’s birth. Wilm’s tumor generally happens in children under five years of age, although it can appear sometimes in older children and rarely in adults. The nephroblastomas (Wilm’s tumor) cause is not known; although a genetic defect can be responsible in certain cases. Children, who have specific birth abnormalities including excessive growth of body’s one side or irises absence, both of which can be resulted from a genetic derect, have a higher risk of progressing Wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma). Symptoms of Wilm’s tumor include vomiting, large abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Blood appears in urine in 15 to 20% of the cases. Wilm’s tumor can result in high blood pressure. Nephroblastoma (Wilm’s tumor) may spread to other body parts, particularly the lung, causing shortness of breath and coughing. Usually, the doctor can feel mass (lumps) in children’s abdomen. If the doctor suspects Wilm’s tumor, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), or ultrasound can be done to determine the size of the lump or nature of the lump. The prognosis of Wilm’s tumor is based on child’s age, microscopic tumor appearance, and tumor spread extent. Children whose cancer has not spread, children with smaller tumors, or younger children’s tend to fare better. Wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma) is very curable. Even children, who have widespread tumors or older children that have very good prognosis. If doctor suggests that the tumor may be removed, surgery is done soon after confirming diagnosis. During the surgery, the other kidney is evaluated to check whether it also has a Wilm’s tumor. In approx. 4% of the cases, nephroblastoma (Wilm’s tumor) happens in both kidneys. The anticancer medications, including Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Actinomycin D can be used, as can radiation therapy, basing on cancer extent.
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