Update on Wilms' tumor in children

Abstract

Although rare, Wilms' tumor is the most common primary renal malignancy in children and is associated with a number of congenital anomalies and documented syndromes. Appropriate laboratory, radiologic and pathologic investigations are necessary components of the evaluation of children with suspected Wilms' tumor. This provides accurate diagnosis and subsequent staging; information which is essential to generate a multidisciplinary treatment plan utilizing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients treated for Wilms' tumor as children must continue to be monitored for possible long-term sequelae as adults including secondary malignancies as well as treatment-related toxicity.