Wilms' Tumor

Wilms' Tumor

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Wilms' tumor is one of the most common tumors of the abdomen in children. Typically it occurs in one kidney but occasionally involves both. If the cancer spreads, it usually spreads to the lungs and liver. With treatment, many children can have a good prognosis for recovery.

If a tumor is suspected in your child's abdomen, don't apply pressure to this area. Careful bathing and handling of your child is important before and during any tumor evaluation. If the tumor ruptures, cancer cells could spread to other tissues of the body.

Children with Wilms' tumor may experience many different symptoms. The following, however, are the most common:

• Mass or lump, which causes no tenderness, in the abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen from pressure on other organs near the tumor
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Veins that appear distended or large across the abdomen
• Blood in the urine
• Decreased appetite
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• Weakness or tiredness

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007