nephroblastoma

Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms Tumor, is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children.

• It is the most common type of renal (kidney) cancer in children, accounting for about 6 percent of all childhood cancers [1][2].
• Nephroblastoma typically occurs in children younger than five years old [3].
• The tumor is named after the German physician, Dr. Max Wilms, who first described it in 1899 [4].
• It is a malignant (cancerous) tumor originating in the cells of the kidney [5].

Characteristics and Types

• Nephroblastoma can develop in one or both kidneys at the same time [6][7].
• The exact cause of nephroblastoma is unclear, but most cases are caused by genetic mutations (changes) in the kidney cells [8].
• It is a rare form of kidney cancer that usually happens in very young children [9].

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Children with Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) usually have a swelling or bump in their belly, often accompanied by no other symptoms [10][11].
• The disease can spread to the lungs, liver, or nearby lymph nodes [12].
• Different stage descriptions are used for different types of tumors, including Wilms tumor [13].

References:

[1] - Result 3 [2] - Result 11 [3] - Result 2 [4] - Result 11 [5] - Result 3 [6] - Result 12 [7] - Result 13 [8] - Result 12 [9] - Result 14 [10] - Result 15 [11] - Result 15 [12] - Result 7 [13] - Result 6

Common Signs and Symptoms of Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor)

Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumor, is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. The symptoms can vary widely from child to child, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Abdominal swelling: A swollen spot or hard lump in the abdomen (stomach area) is one of the most common symptoms of nephroblastoma [1].
• Fever: Many children with Wilms tumor experience fever for no apparent reason [7][9].
• Blood in urine: Some children may have blood in their urine, which can be a sign of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body [6][8].
• Lump or mass: A lump or mass in the abdomen is often found during routine exams, and it can be very large, even bigger than the kidney itself [5][10].
• Shortness of breath: In some cases, children with Wilms tumor may experience shortness of breath due to the cancer spreading to other parts of the body [8][9].
• High blood pressure: Rarely, high blood pressure can be a symptom of nephroblastoma, which can cause headaches, bleeding inside the eye, or even a change in consciousness [3].

It's essential to note that many children with Wilms tumor have no symptoms at all, and the cancer is found on routine exams. If you suspect your child may have nephroblastoma, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 3 [3] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 6 [6] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 9 [10] - Context result 12

Diagnostic Tests for Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor)

Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumor, is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. To diagnose this condition, several diagnostic tests are conducted to confirm the presence of the tumor and determine its extent.

• Imaging Tests: These tests create detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding areas, helping doctors identify any abnormalities. The imaging tests used for diagnosing Wilms tumor include:
  • Ultrasound: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to produce images of the kidneys.
  • Chest X-ray: To check if the tumor has spread to the lungs.
  • CT scan (Computed Tomography): A more detailed imaging test that provides 3D views of the kidneys and surrounding areas.
• Laboratory Tests: These tests help assess the overall health of the child and identify any potential complications. The laboratory tests used for diagnosing Wilms tumor include:
  • Blood tests: To check for anemia, infection, or other blood-related issues.
  • Urinalysis: To examine the urine for any abnormalities.
  • Liver function tests: To assess liver health.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm a Wilms tumor diagnosis. During this procedure, a small piece of tissue from the tumor is removed and examined under a microscope.

Additional Tests

Other diagnostic tests that may be conducted include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Chemistry profile, including kidney function tests
• Urine cytology
• Blood chemistry tests

These tests help doctors determine the extent of the tumor, assess overall health, and identify any potential complications. The results of these tests are used to develop a treatment plan for the child.

References

[1] NYU Langone specialists are experienced at diagnosing Wilms tumor, also called nephroblastoma, the most common type of kidney cancer in children. (Source: Search Result 4) [2] Imaging tests are an important tool in diagnosing Wilms tumor because they provide doctors with precise, detailed, 3D views of the kidneys and surrounding areas. (Source: Search Result 14) [3] A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm a Wilms tumor diagnosis and to determine if surgery is needed. (Source: Search Result 9)

Treatment of Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor) using Chemotherapy

Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumor, is a type of cancer that primarily affects children. The treatment for this condition often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

• Chemotherapy: This is a common treatment approach for nephroblastoma. Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells. The most commonly used agents in the treatment of Wilms tumor include:
  • Dactinomycin
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Etoposide
  • Carboplatin [5]
• Chemotherapy Combinations: The most common chemotherapy drug combinations used to treat Wilms tumor are:
  • Vincristine and dactinomycin
  • Vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin [8]

Treatment Regimen

The first treatment for nephroblastoma is usually chemotherapy. After a few weeks (usually 4 weeks), the child undergoes surgery to remove the tumor [9]. The specific treatment regimen may vary depending on the stage of the disease and other factors.

Survival Rates

With appropriate treatment, the five-year survival rate for children with all stages of favorable histology Wilms tumor is more than 90% [12][15].

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Differential Diagnosis of Nephroblastoma

Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumor, is a type of cancer that primarily affects children. However, its differential diagnosis can be challenging due to the presence of various other conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms and characteristics.

Conditions to Consider:

• Neuroblastoma: This is one of the most common differential diagnoses for nephroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that arises from the adrenal glands, but it can also affect the kidneys.
• Clear Cell Sarcoma: This is another rare kidney tumor that may be difficult to distinguish from nephroblastoma based on imaging alone.
• Mesoblastic Nephroma: Also known as congenital mesoblastic nephroma, this is a rare type of kidney tumor that typically affects newborns and infants.
• Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: This is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that can affect the kidneys, among other organs.
• Hyperplastic Nephrogenic Rest: This is a rare condition characterized by an abnormal growth of kidney tissue.

Key Features to Consider:

When attempting to diagnose nephroblastoma, it's essential to consider the following key features:

• Age: Nephroblastoma typically affects children under the age of 5.
• Imaging Characteristics: The presence of calcifications and vessel encasement can be indicative of neuroblastoma.
• Histological Appearance: The histology of nephroblastoma is characterized by a triphasic pattern, with blastemal, epithelial, and stromal components.

References:

[1] Wilms tumor, or nephroblastoma, is the most common renal cancer in the pediatric age group.[2] [3] Differential diagnosis of Wilms tumor can be tricky. [4] The main differential diagnosis of nephroblastoma is neuroblastoma. [5] Clear cell sarcoma: generally indistinguishable on the bases of imaging, [6] Desmoplastic small round cell tumor Hyperplastic nephrogenic rest Neuroblastoma [7] Differential diagnosis. Triphasic Wilms tumors relatively easy to diagnose on H&E slides [8] The main differential diagnosis of nephroblastoma is neuroblastoma. [9] Typical features that indicate neuroblastoma are calcifications - causing a specific ultrasound pattern, shown in the video – and vessel encasement, without invasion.