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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffWilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Also known as nephroblastoma, it's the most common malignant tumor of the kidneys in children. The peak time of Wilms' tumor occurrence is around ages 3 to 4, and it occurs only rarely after age 6.
Although Wilms' tumor can occur in both kidneys, it tends to affect just one kidney. Wilms' tumor is believed to develop from immature kidney cells.
Improved imaging techniques help doctors to determine the extent of the cancer in Wilms' tumor and to plan treatment. The outlook for most children with Wilms' tumor is very good.
- Detailed guide: Wilms' tumor. American Cancer Society. http://documents.cancer.org/106.00/106.00.pdf. Accessed July 22, 2009.
- Maloney K, et al. Neoplastic disease. In: Hay WW, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th edition. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3407273. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Wilms' tumor and other childhood kidney tumors (health professional version). National Cancer Institute. Accessed July 22, 2009.
- Chintagumpala M. Treatment and prognosis of Wilms' tumor. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 10, 2009.
