Wilms' Tumor:Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

Symptoms & Signs

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Fever
• General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)
• High blood pressure
• Increased growth on only one side of the body
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling in the abdomen (abdominal hernia or mass)
• Vomiting

Note: Abnormal urine color may also be associated with this disease.

Diagnosis & Tests

Special emphasis is placed on the history and physical exam. The doctor may ask if you have a family history of cancer and look for associated birth defects in the child.
A physical examination reveals an abdominal mass. High blood pressure may also be present.
Blood in the urine occurs in less than 25% of children.
Tests include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal x-ray
• BUN
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count (may show anemia)
• Creatinine
• Creatinine clearance
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Intravenous pyelogram
• Urinalysis

Kidney anatomy

Review Date : 5/8/2008
Reviewed By : Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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