Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor)
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Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor) is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children, usually under the age of 5. It develops from immature kidney cells that grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor inside the kidney. This condition mainly impacts the urinary system and can cause a painless swelling or lump in the abdomen. Other common signs include abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes blood in the urine. Early detection is important because the tumor can grow quickly and may spread to other parts of the body, affecting overall health.
Clinical Definition
Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumor) is a malignant renal neoplasm arising from embryonic kidney precursor cells due to mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as WT1 and WT2. It is the most common primary renal malignancy in children and typically presents as a large, unilateral abdominal mass. Histologically, it is characterized by a triphasic pattern consisting of blastemal, stromal, and epithelial components. The tumor can invade locally and metastasize, most commonly to the lungs. Clinically, it is significant due to its rapid growth and potential for causing renal failure or hypertension from renin secretion. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving survival outcomes.