Wilms tumor is a rare type of disease in which cancer occurs in the kidneys of children. It is a common type of cancer found in children. It mostly affects children of age 3 years to 5 years but it can also occur in young adults. Most of the time, Wilms tumor occurs in just one kidney but it can affect both kidneys in rare cases. The advanced technology makes it possible to diagnose the disease in the early stage and also helps to cure the disease completely. The symptoms of Wilms tumor can be different for each patient. Sometimes no symptoms occur in the children. But in severe cases, the symptoms are more visible. Wilms tumor may occur due to the changes in DNA. It also has some risk factors that increase the susceptibility of Wilms tumor. Some of the diseases also increase the risk of Wilms tumor in children. Several treatments are used to manage Wilms tumor. Each treatment is used according to the suitability of the patient. Sometimes combination treatment is also used to treat the tumor in the advanced stage of the disease.
Types of Wilms Tumor Treatment India
Different types of treatments are used for Wilms tumor in children. Some of these treatments may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Combination treatment
- Target drug therapy
- Follow-up Care
Surgery
The primary treatment used to deal with Wilms tumor is surgery. In a surgical procedure, the surgeon removes the tumor from the kidneys without damaging the healthy tissues in the surroundings.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatments involve the use of medications that kill the cancer cells in the Wilms tumor. Chemotherapy is also given to patients before the surgical procedure to shrink the size of the tumor or it can be given after the surgery to kill any remaining cancerous cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used in some cases when the tumor has spread or if it cannot be completely removed through the surgical procedure. It is important to use low doses of radiation while treating the Wilms tumor in children.
Targeted Therapy
In some cases, target drug therapy is used which specifically targets the cancer cells and destroys them. This treatment minimizes the chance of damage to healthy cells.
Combination of Treatments
In severe cases of Wilms tumor, two or more two treatments are used at the same time to treat the patient. It is beneficial for the aggressive type of tumors formed in the kidneys.
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up care is also an important part of treatment to monitor for any signs of recurrence or long-term side effects of any treatment.
Diagnosis of Wilms Tumor Treatment India
Some of the diagnostic methods for Wilms tumor are as follows:
Clinical Evaluation
A healthcare provider takes a detailed medical history and conducts a physical examination of the child. They will look for signs and symptoms that may suggest the presence of a tumor such as abdominal swelling or a mass.
Imaging Studies
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound of the abdomen is often the first imaging test performed. It can help to see any abnormality in the kidneys.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan provides more detailed pictures of the kidney and other structures in the surroundings. It also provides information on the size and location of the tumor.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI may be used to obtain additional information about the tumor and its spread to other organs in the surroundings.
Biopsy
In some cases, a biopsy test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of Wilms tumor. However, in most cases of Wilms tumor, a biopsy is not done before surgery to remove the tumor. This is because there is a risk of spreading cancer cells during the procedure of biopsy test.
Blood and Urine Tests
Blood and urine tests may be performed to assess the function of kidneys and to check for any abnormality that is associated with Wilms tumor. For example, some of the substances are elevated in blood or urine if the kidneys are damaged.
Cost of Wilms Tumor Treatment in India
The cost of Wilms tumor treatment in India ranges from 2600 USD to 3600 USD. The cost can vary because every case of Wilms tumor presents in different situations and with different complications. The cost can also vary according to the skills of the surgeon and the facilities of the hospital.
Wilms Tumor Treatment : 2664 USD - 3552 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
Some of the symptoms of Wilms tumor are listed below:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling or mass in the abdomen
- Blood in the urine
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Anemia
- General discomfort or uneasiness
- Paleness
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Growth delay or stunted growth in children
- High levels of protein in the urine
Risk Factors of Wilms Tumor
Some of the associated risk factors of Wilms tumor may involve the following:
Age
Wilms tumor mostly occurs in children. It most commonly occurs in children with age between 3 years to 5 years.
Race
Wilms tumor is mostly common in black people. The risk is higher in African people than in any other race.
Gender
Girls are more affected with Wilms tumor than boys so the risk is higher in girls of three to five years old.
Certain Genetic Syndromes
Children born with some specific type of genetic disease are at greater risk of developing Wilms tumor.
Family History
In some rare cases, the positive family history also increases the risk of Wilms tumor but it is very rare to occur.
Birth Weight
Babies born with excess weight are at greater risk of developing the disease of Wilms tumor.
Prenatal Exposure to Certain Medications
Some medications that are used in the pregnancy can also increase the risk of Wilms tumor in the baby after birth. It mostly occurs due to the use of medicines that deal with kidney disease.
04/29/2024
