Wilms' tumor

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Definition

Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Also known as nephroblastoma, it's the most common malignant tumor of the kidneys in children. The peak time of Wilms' tumor occurrence is at age 3, and it occurs only rarely after age 8.

Wilms' tumor may arise in either or both kidneys. The condition is named for the 19th-century German surgeon who recognized that the cancer develops from immature kidney cells.

The outlook for children with Wilms' tumor has greatly improved in recent decades. Improved imaging techniques help doctors to determine the extent of the cancer in Wilms' tumor and to plan treatment.

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Symptoms