Nephroblastoma - (Wilms' tumour)

Nephroblastoma tumour is seen mainly within the first 3 years of life and may be bilateral. It presents as an abdominal mass, rarely with haematuria. Diagnosis is established by excretion urography followed by arteriography.

A combination of nephrectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has much improved survival rates, even in children, with metastatic disease. Overall, 5-year survival rate in UK children diagnosed between 1971 and 1985 was 79%.

is more common among some siblings and twins, which suggests a possible genetic cause. The tumor may become quite large, but usually remains encapsulated (self-enclosed). It may spread to other body tissues, especially the lungs.

In its early stages the nephroblastoma causes no symptoms. In later stage, symptoms may varied from person to person.

In 75 percent of the cases, the tumour grows before the age of five; about two-thirds of the instances are apparent by two years of age. The tumour grows rapidly and can approach the weight of the rest of the body.