childhood kidney cancer

Childhood Kidney Cancer: An Overview

Childhood kidney cancer, also known as pediatric renal cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the kidneys in children. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in kids and accounts for about 5% of all childhood cancers.

Types of Childhood Kidney Cancer

The most common form of childhood kidney cancer is Wilms tumor (also called nephroblastoma), which makes up about 5% of childhood cancer cases in the U.S. It occurs a little more often in girls and is most often found in children younger than five.

• Wilms Tumor: This is the most common type of renal (kidney) cancer in children, affecting around 450 to 500 kids per year.
• Other Types: Other types of childhood kidney cancer include neuroblastoma, which starts in nerve cells and may invade a kidney.

Symptoms

The symptoms of childhood kidney cancer can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Lump or swelling in the belly
• Blood in the urine
• Belly pain
• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Treatment

Most pediatric kidney cancers are treatable, and many can be cured. Treatment options for childhood kidney cancer typically involve surgery (nephrectomy) to remove the tumor, as well as radiation therapy when necessary.

• Surgery: Surgery is usually the primary treatment for childhood kidney cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may also be recommended in some cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis and long-term survival rate for children with Wilms tumor can vary greatly from child to child. However, most children with this type of cancer can be cured of the disease.

Sources:

• [1] Wilms tumor is a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children.
• [2] What are the Types of Kidney Cancer in Children?
• [3] It is the most common type of renal (kidney) cancer and accounts for about 6 percent of all childhood cancers.
• [4] We typically treat kidney tumors with surgery, also known as nephrectomy.
• [5] Most pediatric kidney cancers are treatable, and many can be cured.
• [10] Childhood kidney tumors are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the kidney.
• [11] Wilms tumor (also called Wilms' tumor or nephroblastoma) is a type of childhood cancer that starts in the kidneys.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Kidney Cancer

Childhood kidney cancer, also known as pediatric renal cancer, can manifest in various ways. While it's essential to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis, here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Abdominal lump or mass: A noticeable swelling in the abdomen, often on one side, is a frequent symptom of childhood kidney cancer.
• Blood in the urine (hematuria): This can be a sign of kidney cancer, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or high blood pressure.
• Abdominal pain: Pain in the stomach area can be a symptom of childhood kidney cancer, and it may worsen over time.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Elevated blood pressure is another common sign of pediatric renal cancer.
• Fever: A persistent fever that's not caused by an infection can be a symptom of childhood kidney cancer.
• Loss of appetite: Some children with kidney cancer may experience a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss.
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss is another possible sign of pediatric renal cancer.

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, childhood kidney cancer may also cause:

• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of energy

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced in other conditions, and only a medical professional can accurately diagnose childhood kidney cancer.

References:

• [2] Wilms' tumor is the most common form of kidney cancer in children, affecting 450 to 500 kids per year.
• [3] Symptoms of childhood kidney tumors include a lump or mass in the abdomen, abdominal pain, hematuria (blood in the urine), high blood pressure, fever, diarrhea, weight loss, and urogenital infections.
• [6] Signs and symptoms of childhood kidney cancer include a lump in the abdomen, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, unexplained fatigue, vomiting, and fever.
• [7] Symptoms of kidney tumors · Lump or swelling in the belly · Blood in the urine · Belly pain · High blood pressure · Fever · Loss of appetite · Weight loss
• [9] Signs and symptoms of Wilms tumor · Abdominal swelling, often toward one side · Fever · Abdominal pain · Constipation · High blood pressure (hypertension) · Large ...
• [11] Other, less common types of kidney cancer can happen. Young children are more likely to develop a kind of kidney cancer called Wilms tumor. ... In time, signs and symptoms may develop, including: Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored. Loss of appetite. Pain in the side or back that doesn't go away.
• [14] Early kidney cancers often don’t cause any signs or symptoms, but larger or more advanced ones might. Some possible signs and symptoms of kidney cancer include: Blood in the urine (hematuria) Low back pain on one side (not caused by injury) A mass (lump) on the side or lower back; Fever that is not caused by an infection and that doesn’t go ...

Diagnostic Tests for Childhood Kidney Cancer

Childhood kidney cancer, also known as Wilms tumor or nephroblastoma, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. The main goal of these tests is to confirm the presence of cancer in the kidneys and determine its stage.

• Imaging tests: These are used to visualize the kidneys and surrounding tissues. Common imaging tests include:
  • Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and detect any abnormalities [5][7].
  • CT scan: Takes X-ray images from different angles to provide detailed pictures of the kidneys and surrounding tissues [4][11].
  • MRI: Creates detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues, which can help doctors see if the cancer has invaded nearby blood vessels [4].
• Blood tests: These are used to check for any abnormalities in the blood that may indicate kidney cancer. Tests include:
  • Liver function tests
  • Blood clotting tests
  • Advanced genomic testing: Looks for DNA alterations in cancer cells that may be driving the growth of the tumor [11]
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the tumor to confirm the diagnosis and determine its stage [9].
• Physical exam and health history: An examination of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for any unusual lumps or abnormalities [13].

These diagnostic tests are crucial in determining the extent of cancer in the body and anticipating the response to treatment. It is essential to note that early detection and diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

References: [1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 ... (rest of the context results)

The differential diagnosis of childhood kidney cancer can be challenging, but various techniques can help classify most tumors.

• Ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry and molecular studies are crucial in distinguishing between different types of small blue round cell tumors (Table 4 and Table 5) [1].
• Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney, malignant rhabdoid tumor, renal medullary carcinoma, and lymphoma should also be considered in the differential diagnosis [2].
• The blastemal component of Wilms Tumors (WTs) can be identified using WT1 positivity in 80% of cases [3].

Some common signs and symptoms of pediatric renal tumors include:

• A lump or mass in the abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• High blood pressure

Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and lab work can aid in differential diagnosis [4].

The most common childhood kidney cancers are Wilms tumor, but in the 15- to 19-year age group, most tumors are renal cell carcinoma [5].

Renal (kidney) tumors occur when cancer cells form in kidney tissues. These tumors account for about 7% of all childhood cancers [6].

When tumors are large and infiltrate the kidney, neuroblastoma (NB) can enter the differential diagnosis [7].

Pediatric renal tumors and masses are another group of diseases that are bewildering in their complexity [8].

References:

[1] The blastemal component of WTs demonstrates nuclear WT1 positivity in 80% of cases.

[2] Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney, malignant rhabdoid tumor, renal medullary carcinoma, and lymphoma should also be considered in the differential diagnosis.

[3] The blastemal component of Wilms Tumors (WTs) can be identified using WT1 positivity in 80% of cases.

[4] Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and lab work can aid in differential diagnosis.

[5] The most common childhood kidney cancers are Wilms tumor, but in the 15- to 19-year age group, most tumors are renal cell carcinoma.

[6] Renal (kidney) tumors occur when cancer cells form in kidney tissues. These tumors account for about 7% of all childhood cancers.

[7] When tumors are large and infiltrate the kidney, neuroblastoma (NB) can enter the differential diagnosis.

[8] Pediatric renal tumors and masses are another group of diseases that are bewildering in their complexity.