Wilms' Tumor Diagnosis and Staging
A Wilms tumour or nephroblatoma is a malignant tumour formed from mutated kidney tissue during utero development. The disease was first described by German surgeon Wilms, by whose name the tumour was subsequently named. Nephroblastoma is of mixed type because it consists of immature cells of epithelial, muscular, renal and cartilaginous tissue. The tumour is extremely aggressive and is considered highly malignant, which characterizes its rapid growth and spread beyond localization. Therefore, pathology is detected mainly in young children, often combining with other birth defects of development. In adult individuals, nephroblastoma is very rarely diagnosed. The etiology of the appearance of Wilms tumour has not been fully studied. There is a connection with heredity, as well as damage to the structure of the chromosome.
Symptoms of the disease
If you notice the following signs of pathology in your child, you should immediately consult a doctor:
- Appearance of blood clots in urine.
- Seal in the abdominal area.
- Indigestion.
- Fever.
- Increased sweating at night.
- Cough.
- Weight loss.
- Abdominal pain.
- Increasing abdominal size
- High pressure.
- Swelling.
- Extension of lymph nodes.
To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor conducts a comprehensive examination of the entire body of the child.
Diagnosis of the disease
Suspicion of malignancy may arise in a specialist at the first examination of the patient. But since nephroblastoma is not a characteristic disease, the careful diagnosis will be required, using modern, highly informative methods. Tel Aviv Medical Clinic uses the latest equipment to ensure that the examination is of high quality and shows the most accurate results. Clarification of the diagnosis, detection of metastases and complications, assessment of the state of affected structures and surrounding tissues, require the use of such methods of investigation:
- Excretory urography.
- Radiology.
- Ultrasound.
- Genetic testing.
- Computed tomography.
- MRI.
- Scintigraphy.
- Blood and urine tests.
- Kidney angiography.
- Puncture biopsy.
Experienced doctors of the highest category will make an individual treatment plan, which increases effectiveness and minimizes the risk of complications. Taking into account prognostic factors, the stage of pathology and the degree of malignancy of the tumour, a rational method of treatment is chosen. Most often, it is surgery in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.