Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumor, is a malignant kidney tumor that most commonly occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. It is one of the most frequent childhood cancers, but with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the chances of recovery are very high.
Symptoms of nephroblastoma in children
- Abdominal enlargement. A growing tumor may be visible or palpable as a firm mass in the abdominal cavity.
- Abdominal pain. May be accompanied by discomfort or tenderness.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria).
- Fever. Elevated body temperature without an obvious cause.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss. The child may lose interest in food and begin to lose weight.
- High blood pressure. The tumor may cause hypertension due to its effect on kidney function.
Diagnosis of nephroblastoma
- Physical examination. The physician examines the child and palpates the abdomen to detect masses or organ enlargement.
- Abdominal ultrasound. Helps visualize the tumor in the kidney.
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Used to determine the exact size of the tumor and assess its spread to other organs.
- Blood and urine tests. Performed to evaluate kidney function and detect abnormalities.
- Tumor biopsy. Performed in selected cases to confirm the diagnosis, especially if the tumor cannot be immediately removed.
Main treatment methods for nephroblastoma in Belarus
Treatment of nephroblastoma in children depends on the stage of the disease, tumor histology, and the child’s overall health. The main treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, radiation therapy.
- Surgical removal.
- Total nephrectomy. The most common approach, involving removal of the entire affected kidney together with the tumor. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to assess tumor spread.
- Partial nephrectomy. In rare cases, when the tumor is small and limited to part of the kidney, partial nephrectomy may be performed to preserve more healthy kidney tissue.
- If both kidneys are involved, surgeons aim to preserve as much functional kidney tissue as possible.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is used before or after surgery to reduce tumor size and destroy remaining cancer cells. In some cases, preoperative chemotherapy is administered to facilitate tumor removal. Treatment is given in cycles with recovery intervals.
- Radiation therapy. Used in children with advanced-stage nephroblastoma or when the tumor cannot be completely removed surgically. Radiation therapy helps eliminate residual cancer cells in the kidney or other parts of the body and is typically reserved for high-risk tumors or metastatic disease.
Factors influencing treatment outcomes
- Stage of the disease. Prognosis is significantly better when nephroblastoma is diagnosed at an early stage. At stages I and II, survival rates exceed 90%.
- Tumor histology. Tumors with favorable histology have a much better prognosis compared with those with unfavorable histological features.
- Age of the child. Younger children (under 5 years of age) generally have better outcomes.
- Response to treatment. A rapid and positive response to chemotherapy is associated with improved long-term results.
Long-term follow-up and rehabilitation
- Regular follow-up examinations. Even after successful treatment, children require ongoing monitoring, including blood tests and imaging studies, to detect recurrence or complications at an early stage.
- Monitoring kidney function and development. Children who have undergone removal of one kidney should be followed by a nephrologist to assess the function of the remaining kidney and overall health.
- Psychological support. Cancer treatment can be emotionally challenging for both the child and the family. Psychological counseling and support groups can help manage stress and anxiety.
Treatment of nephroblastoma in children requires a comprehensive approach that includes surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and, in selected cases, radiation therapy. With timely and appropriate treatment, most children can achieve complete recovery and lead a normal life. Parents play a crucial role in supporting the child, closely monitoring their condition, and following all medical recommendations to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Q&A
Нет, опухоль Вильмса связана с генетическими изменениями, которые невозможно предотвратить. Однако ранняя диагностика и лечение значительно улучшают прогноз.
В случае удаления одной почки, функция оставшейся почки обычно остаётся нормальной. Важно следить за её здоровьем и регулярно проходить обследования.
