Paediatrics

Wilms Tumour

Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma) is an embryonal kidney cancer of childhood, usually presenting with a painless abdominal mass but sometimes haematuria or hypertension; urgent specialist referral and protocol-led treatment aim to cure while preserving renal function.

Definition

Wilms tumour, or nephroblastoma, is a malignant embryonal tumour of the kidney arising from persistent immature renal tissue. It may be unilateral or bilateral and can spread to abdominal lymph nodes, lungs or other sites.

First principles

Think kidney when the mass is renal

Wilms tumour arises from persistent embryonal kidney tissue, often in children under 7. It is usually a unilateral renal mass and may present with a painless swollen abdomen. Visible haematuria, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, poor appetite or hypertension can occur, but their absence does not make a mass safe.

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