External Phone Log What is Wilms' tumor? Wilms' tumor is a
cancer found in one or both kidneys and usually occurs in
children between the age of two and six years. It is a rare
disease, found in about 400 children in the U.S. each year. The
cause of this tumor is not known. It is not contagious, and
nothing you have done or not done is responsible for your
child's tumor. What are the symptoms of Wilms' tumor? Wilms'
tumors are usually large lesions that grow rapidly. The most
common presenting sign of Wilms' tumor is an abdominal mass in
an apparently healthy child. Parents often notice a swollen
abdomen. Many times, the parents are the first to feel a lump in
the belly during bathing or dressing. The child may have high
blood pressure (hypertension), blood in the urine (hematuria),
or abdominal pain. How is Wilms' tumor diagnosed? Since Wilms'
tumor may spread, usually to the lungs or liver, your child will
undergo various tests to assess the extent of disease. A careful
diagnosis is very important to determ