Wilms’ Tumor
Nephroblastoma is the other name of Wilms’ tumor and is one of the most common neoplasms of childhood. Sixty per cent (60%) of the cases appear before the age of 3 years.
Clinically, it usually presents as a hard abdominal mass that is accidentally palpated by the mother or detected by a physician during a routine physical examination. This mass usually does not cross the midline. Other manifestations may include:
a. Hematuria – its presence is an ominous sign
b. Abdominal discomfort or pain
The prognosis of Wilms’ tumor depends upon the age of the patient at the time of the diagnosis. The survival rate in children less than 1 yr of age is around 80% and in older age group is around 50%.
Thus, it is very important for children to have regular clinic visits not only to monitor their growth and development (physical, emotional, social and intellectual) but also to update their immunization status especially for the vaccine preventable diseases and to check on them about masses and other malignancies in childhood.