Question

Pick a childhood cancer and tell me about it

Answer 1

WILM'S TUMOR:

It is a tumor which typically occurs in the children. It is also called as Nephroblastoma or malignant tumor of kidneys.

Almost it contributes to the 7% of the childhood tumor. GIRLS are most affected.And most of the cases occurs before the child turns 5 years old.

Most commonly only one side of kidney get affected but in 10 to 15% of cases both kidneys may get affected.

Etiology - idiopathic or genetic abnormalities of WT1 or WT2 genes.

It is believed that tumor starts developing in the fetys during the development where some cells form kidneys malfunctioning and forming a tumor.

Character - vascular,soft and gelatinous in character. Wilm's tumor grow rapidly and to a larger size.tumor is usually uniform and well demarcated by a pseudocapsule.

Tumor have epithelial,stromal and blastemal components.

Clinical menifestation - Tumor, fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, hematuria,hypertension,anorexia and vomiting.

On examination abdominal mass will be seen near the midline and it will be non tender.

Metastasis can occur via circulatory system.

Staging:

• stage1- tumor confined to kidney
• Stage 2-tumor extends beyond kidney
• Stage3-tumor infiltrates nearby structures
• Stage4- metastasis to lung
• Stage5- bilateral kidney involvement

Treatment: it is done on the basis of the stage of disease. Which involves surgery , radiation therapy or chemotherapy according to the favourable and unfavourable conditions.

Prognosis of wilms tumor is very good. More than 85% cure rate.

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