Wilms tumor is a malignant kidney tumor in children up to 15 years old (most commonly 1-3 years). There are three subtypes of the disease: low-grade, intermediate-grade, and high-grade malignancy.
Causes
The exact causes of Wilms tumor are not known. There is a genetic predisposition and chromosomal mutations. It is believed that environmental factors such as radiation, toxins, and carcinogens influence the development of the disease. Various congenital kidney pathologies, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome are associated with the disease.
Symptoms of Wilms Tumor
At the early stage of the disease, the tumor is painless even upon palpation, has smooth borders, and may be detected by parents or a doctor during a physical examination of the child. Later, due to an increase in size, the neoplasm compresses internal organs, stretches the renal capsule, leading to asymmetry and pain in the abdominal area, and disturbances in the urinary system. Signs of intoxication appear – high body temperature, rapid weight loss, anorexia. A large tumor can cause breathing difficulties and intestinal obstruction.
Diagnosis of Wilms Tumor in Israel
In Israel, the diagnosis of Wilms tumor involves blood tests (white blood cell count, ESR) and a myelogram (presence of metastasis in the bone marrow). Imaging methods include ultrasound, excretory urography, chest X-ray, CT, and MRI.
Treatment of Wilms Tumor in Israel
For Wilms tumor in Israel, combined treatment is used. In the first two stages of the disease, immediate surgical removal of the tumor is performed. In other cases, chemotherapy is administered before and after surgery. The type of surgical operation depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's indicators. This may involve the removal of the tumor itself, or the removal of one kidney; in cases where both kidneys are affected, tumors are removed with partial resection of the kidneys. If a tumor thrombus occurs in the inferior vena cava or renal vein, thrombectomy is performed. Lymph nodes are also surgically removed. In stages 3 and 4 of the disease, the tumor and metastases in the liver and lungs are subjected to radiation therapy.
Prevention
Treatment of Wilms tumor at early stages is quite successful (about 80% of cases result in complete recovery), so timely detection of the disease serves as prevention of its further progression.