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Wilms Tumor
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Kidneys Urinary System

Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor is a rare form of kidney cancer that primarily affects children, though it can occur in adults.

Overview

Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer that causes a tumor to form on one or both kidneys. While it usually affects children, it can also happen in adults. Certain genetic conditions or birth defects can increase the risk of developing this condition. Children identified as being at risk should undergo screening every three months until they turn eight.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • A lump in the abdomen
  • Blood in the urine
  • Unexplained fever

Diagnosis & Treatment

Medical professionals use tests that examine the kidney and blood to identify the tumor. Treatment typically involves the following:

  • Surgery: Doctors usually diagnose and remove the tumor surgically.
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Biologic therapy: This treatment boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Wilms tumor has a high cure rate, the treatments can have lasting effects. Chemotherapy may cause temporary hair loss, nausea, and fatigue, but long-term risks include potential damage to the heart, lungs, or hearing, and an increased risk of developing secondary cancers later in life. Radiation therapy, if used, can affect the growth of the remaining kidney tissue and surrounding bones. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for these late effects and manage any chronic health issues that may arise.
Children with specific genetic syndromes or birth defects that increase their risk of Wilms tumor require regular abdominal ultrasounds every three months until they reach age eight. This screening is necessary because the tumor often grows silently without early symptoms, and early detection through imaging allows for less invasive treatment options and better survival rates. The ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that can detect small masses in the kidneys before they become large enough to cause pain or other noticeable signs.
Recurrence is possible, particularly in the first two years after treatment, though the risk decreases significantly over time. Follow-up care typically involves regular physical exams, blood and urine tests, and periodic imaging scans such as ultrasounds or CT scans to check for any signs of the tumor returning. Patients may also need monitoring for lung function if they received radiation or specific chemotherapy agents. Adhering to the follow-up schedule is critical for catching any recurrence early when it is most treatable.
Most cases of Wilms tumor are sporadic, meaning they occur randomly without a family history. However, about 10% of cases are associated with genetic syndromes like WAGR or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, which can be inherited. If a child has a known genetic predisposition, their siblings may also be at increased risk and should be evaluated by a genetic counselor. In these specific high-risk families, siblings might undergo the same regular ultrasound screening protocol to ensure early detection if a tumor develops.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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