Wilms' Tumor

Overview

Wilms' tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer, most often diagnosed in children. The condition is named for a 19th century German surgeon who recognized that the cancer develops from immature kidney cells. There are no clear risk factors for Wilms' tumor, although certain birth defects or syndromes can increase risk. Wilms' tumor usually affects just one kidney. The average age of diagnosis is 3 years, and most children have a very good chance of cure.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic is a member of the Children's Oncology Group, a national leading-edge group of institutions that developed the Wilms' tumor therapies currently in use. Experts at Mayo Clinic will provide you and your child with coordinated diagnosis and treatment based on the latest therapies.
• Efficiency and teamwork. Mayo Clinic's teamwork approach brings together specialists to create a customized treatment plan for your child. These specialists may include pediatric hematologists and oncologists, pediatric surgeons or pediatric urologists, radiologists, and kidney specialists (nephrologists). In addition, staff geneticists can counsel you and your family about rare, inherited conditions that might be linked with Wilms' tumor.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about Wilms' tumor at MayoClinic.com.