What is Wilms Tumour?
Wilms tumour (also called nephroblastoma) is a type of kidney cancer that mainly affects young children, most often between the ages of two and five. It usually develops in one kidney, though in a small number of cases both kidneys are affected.
Wilms tumour is one of the most treatable childhood cancers, and most children respond very well to modern treatments.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- a firm, painless swelling or lump in the tummy
- the tummy appearing larger than usual
- blood in the urine (less common)
- tiredness or low energy
- fever
- loss of appetite
- high blood pressure, sometimes picked up during checks
These symptoms can also be caused by many non-cancer childhood conditions and do not necessarily mean cancer.
How is it Diagnosed?
If Wilms tumour is suspected, your child will be referred to a specialist centre. Tests may include:
- ultrasound – usually the first investigation
- MRI or CT scans – to assess the tumour and check if it has spread
- chest X-ray – to look for spread to the lungs
- blood and urine tests – to check kidney function and overall health
In some cases, a biopsy is taken, but Wilms tumour can often be diagnosed based on scans and clinical findings.
Treatment
Treatment for Wilms tumour usually involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, and occasionally radiotherapy.
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Chemotherapy
Most children receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumour. This helps make surgery safer and reduces the chance of the tumour bursting during the operation. -
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove the affected kidney. Types of surgery include:
– removal of the whole kidney (nephrectomy)
– partial removal if both kidneys are affected Children can live full, healthy lives with one kidney. -
Radiotherapy
Used in some cases, particularly if the tumour is high-risk, has spread, or bursts before or during surgery. Radiotherapy is planned carefully to protect surrounding organs. -
High-Dose Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant
Rarely used, and usually only if the tumour returns or proves difficult to treat.
Supportive Care
Your child may receive:
- pain relief and medicines for sickness
- transfusions if blood counts fall
- nutritional support
- psychological and play support
- physiotherapy if needed
- help with school and daily routines
Supportive care helps ensure treatment is as comfortable and safe as possible.
Monitoring Response
Scans and blood tests are used throughout treatment to assess how well the tumour is responding and to guide the next stages of care.
Outlook & Support
Most children with Wilms tumour make a full recovery. Survival rates are very high, especially when the tumour is found early and has not spread far.
During treatment your child will be cared for by a specialist children’s cancer team. Help is available with managing side effects, school, emotional wellbeing and practical concerns.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund will support your whole family from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Key Facts
- Common Age: Most common between ages 2–5
- Survival: Around 85–90% long-term survival
- How common? The most common childhood kidney cancer, but still rare
