Wilms’ Tumor
The physicalmental health of children needs to be prioritized. Deterioration of health can be an indication of serious illness. Caregivers who notice symptoms such as abdominal pain should take it seriouslycontact a specialist for diagnosistreatment. It is best to visit oladoc.com for a verifiedcompetent urologist.
Table of Contents
What is Wilms’ Tumor/Nephroblastoma?
Wilms’ tumor is also identified as nephroblastoma. It is kidney canceraffects children. Children of age 3-4 are more prone to be diagnosed with this tumor. The probabilities of being affected by the tumor are reduced by the age of 5. Nephroblastoma or Wilms’s tumor can affect either one or both the kidneys.
What signssymptoms correlate with Wilms’ tumor?
The symptoms correlating with the Wilms’s’ tumor are:
- A noticeable abdominal mass that appears unusual
- Abdominal acheswelling
- Recurrent episodes of high fever
- Notice blood in the urine
- The child experiences constipation
- NauseaVomiting
- Increase in the blood pressure
- The child is unable to breathe at times
What are the causes of Wilms’ tumor?
The causes of Wilms’ Tumor are not apprehended. However, research has indicated a correlation between geneticsnephroblastoma. The chances of cancer increase if one of the parents has a history of kidney-related problems. Cancer occurs when the cells produce errors in the DNA. The cells increaseresult in other cells deteriorating. Accumulation of the cells results in the formation of the tumor. In some cases, it is observed that the error in the DNA is carried down from one of the biological parents.
What are the stages of Wilms’ tumor?
There are five stages of Wilms’ tumor:
Stage 1: The tumor is present in only one kidney. The treatment provided to the patient at the first stage includes surgery. The operational process removes the tumor.
Stage 2: The tumor has affected other areas including, the tissuesthe vessel. However, the surgery can help remove the tumor.
Stage 3: The cancer is spread into the abdominal regioncannot be removed through surgery.
Stage 4: Multiple organs including the liverlungs, are affected by cancer.
Stage 5: A child is rarely diagnosed with stage 5 nephroblastoma. In this stage, both the kidneys are affected by cancer.
What factors increase the risk of Wilms’ tumor?
The factors that are known to increase the occurrence of Wilms’s tumor include:
Aniridia: In this condition, the child’s iris is either partially or developed at all. This condition increases the chances of the child later get diagnosed with Wilms’s’ tumor.
Hemihypertrophy: In this condition, one side of the body is bigger than the other side.
Genetic Influence: If there are blood relatives with children diagnosed with the condition; then the chances of developing the disease increases in other children of the family.
What tests assist in the diagnosis of Wilms’ tumor?
The test that assists in the diagnoses are:
- The blood test helps in detecting the low blood count in the child.
- The urine tests help in identifying any problems related to the functioning of the kidneys.
- CT scansMagnetic resonance imaging create images that help in identifying any tumors in the kidneys.
What treatments can help increase life expectancyquality of life?
The procedures that help treat the condition include:
- Chemotherapy for killing cancer cells.
- Nephrectomy for the removal of the tumor
- Radiation Therapy
Children exhibiting symptoms that may indicate illness related to kidneys should contact the best urologist in Islamabad. A specialist will help in diagnosestreatment options that can help improve the qualityfunctioning of the child.