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Wilm's Tumor

Definition

Wilms' (Vilmz) tumor is a cancerous tumor of the kidney. It generally occurs in children under the age of seven.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Wilm's Tumor is treated at the U-M Cancer Center in the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic.

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What are the symptoms of Wilm's Tumor?

Most patients are diagnosed after a parent or doctor notices an abnormal swelling in the child's abdomen. Occasionally these children develop abdominal pain or blood in the urine. Some genetic conditions lead to an increased risk of Wilms' tumor, but most tumors develop in otherwise normal children. When Wilms' tumor is suspected, it is important that a complete evaluation of the extent of the tumor occurs. The most common place to spread is to the lungs.

How is Wilm's Tumor treated?

Combined treatment strategies including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have led to a very high cure rate for children with this form of cancer. Thus, it is very important that children with Wilms' tumor are cared for at a hospital with specialists in the care of children with cancer, pediatric surgeons or urologists, and pediatric specialists in radiation, such as the University of Michigan.

How can I get more information about Wilm's Tumor?

Telephone our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125 or e-mail a nurse.

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Ann Arbor, MI 48109

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