Dr. Sallee
Nephroblastoma
Thesis: Nephroblastoma, most commonly known as Wilms’ Tumor, is a malignant form of cancer that develops in the renal area.
I. The prominent septa subdividing the surface and the protrusion of tumor into the renal pelvis, resembling botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma.
A. Named after Max Wilms (1867-1918) German Surgeon who first discovered it
B. 650 cases diagnosed in US annually.
C. About 85 to 90% of Wilms tumor patients with favorable histology can be cured.
D. Curable
E. Potentially fatal
II. Symptoms
A. Constipation
B. Abdominal pain, large lump in the abdomen, swelling, or discomfort.
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Loss of appetite
E. Fever, blood in urine
F. High blood pressure (which may cause shortness of breath and headaches)
III. Risk factors
A. Age (usually targets young children)
B. Race/Ethnicity (In the US, the risk is slightly higher in African American children than in white children, and extremely low amongst Asian-American children)
C. Gender (more common in girls than in boys)
D. Family History (1-2% of children have one or more relatives with the gene)
E. WAGYR Syndrome
F. Denys-Drash Syndrome
G. Frasier Syndrome
H. Birth defects
IV. Diagnosis
A. Blood/urine exams
B. X-ray
C. Ultrasound
D. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
E. Surgery or Biopsy
F. Chromosome tests
G. Bone scan
V. Treatment
A. Surgery
B. Chemotherapy
C. Radiation
D. Clinical Trials
E. Dialysis
Conclusion: Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer. It causes a tumor on one or both kidneys. It usually affects children, but can happen in adults. Having certain genetic conditions or birth defects can increase the risk of getting it. Children that are at risk should be screened for Wilms tumor every three months until they turn eight. Symptoms include a lump in the abdomen, blood in the urine, and a fever for no reason. Tests that examine the kidney and blood are used to find the tumor. Doctors usually diagnose and remove the tumor in surgery. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation and biologic therapies. Biologic therapy boosts your body’s own ability to fight cancer
Sample Solution
