Wilms Tumor
Not only does childhood cancer lack awareness, but I firmly believe that the after-effects of an experience like this lacks awareness as well - Melissa, childhood cancer survivor
image by: Galicia Chanita
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Meet Melissa
“When I was ten years old, my entire world was turned upside by four little words, "Your child has cancer." Without having time to process this statement, I was thrust into an experience that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
My initial tumor was too big to be removed so the doctors were only able to biopsy it. The tumor had started in my right kidney and burst it, causing it to spread to other organs. After the results of my biopsy came back (Stage IV Wilms' Tumor), I immediately began chemotherapy in attempts to shrink the tumor so it could be operated on.
Resources
A Bench-to-Bedside Approach to Wilms Tumor
Wilms tumor results from uncontrolled proliferation of nephron progenitors—stem cells charged with forming the kidney during development in the womb. Most patients are diagnosed between the ages of 1 and 4; the tumor can be as large as a cantaloupe.
Pediatric Cancer Dad Discovers a Promising Novel Approach to Wilms’ Tumors
Wilms’ tumor is the most common form of pediatric kidney cancer. There are two types of Wilms tumors, those lacking anaplasia (favorable histology) and those with anaplastic features (unfavorable histology). Anaplasia describes cancer cells that divide rapidly and have little or no resemblance to normal cells. Anaplastic cancers can be very unpredictable and challenging to treat. Hence, Wilms’ tumor with unfavorable histology does not respond as well to standard treatments, and results in poorer outcomes.
Prognostic Factors for Wilms Tumor Recurrence: A Review of the Literature
In high-income countries, the overall survival of children with Wilms tumors (WT) is ~90%. However, overall, 15% of patients experience tumor recurrence.
Rosie’s Story: Surviving Wilms Tumor
Any child diagnosed with cancer has the battle for their life ahead of them. However, what if you lived in a third world country and didn’t know you had the disease? Rosie Jones has such a story, but thanks to the research and doctors supported by Children’s Cancer Research Fund, it has a happy ending.
Some Children with Wilms Tumor Can Receive Less Therapy, Study Suggests
Results from an NCI-sponsored clinical trial suggest that some children with advanced Wilms tumor, a form of kidney cancer, may be able to skip radiation therapy.
Wilms Tumor and Other Childhood Kidney Tumors
Childhood kidney cancers account for about 7 percent of all childhood cancers. Most childhood kidney cancers are Wilms tumor, but in the 15- to 19-year age group, most tumors are renal cell carcinoma.
Meet Melissa
Cancer really doesn't define you. It may be a huge part of your life and will always stay with you, but it really is how you choose to live your life after your experience that is what defines you.
Wilms Cancer Foundation
To establish an international program of awareness, education, advocacy, early detection and treatment to tackle the spread of childhood kidney cancer 'Wilms'.
Alex's Lemonade Stand
Wilms tumor is the most common form of childhood kidney cancer. It most often occurs in one kidney, although it can be found in both kidneys at the same time.
National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Wilms tumor most commonly affects children ages 3 to 4 with the rate of occurrence dropping off drastically after age 5. Wilms tumors are typically unilateral, most often found only in one kidney, though there have been cases of both kidneys being affected.
Cancer.net
If the early cells of the kidney do not develop into glomeruli or nephrons, clusters of the immature cells may form in the kidneys when the baby is born. Usually, these cells mature by the time a child is 3 or 4 years old, but some may grow out of control, forming a mass of immature cells. This mass is called a Wilms tumor. It can also be called a nephroblastoma.
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