Wilms' Tumor Treatment

For people with Wilms' tumor, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments. Treatment of Wilms' tumor often involves surgery to remove all or part of the affected kidney. It's important for parents of children with Wilms' tumor to be aware that certain treatments for the disease may result in serious side effects that may only appear years after treatment.

Wilms' Tumor Information

Wilms' Tumor Treatment: An Overview

Treatment for Wilms' tumor will depend on factors such as:

The Wilms' tumor stage
The histology (cell type)
The patient's age and general health.

Wilms' tumor treatment may involve:

Surgery (taking out the cancer in an operation)
Chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells)
Radiation therapy (using x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells).

The doctor can describe the Wilms' tumor treatment choices and the expected results of each. Choosing the most appropriate Wilms' tumor treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.

Wilms' Tumor Treatment: Remembering Questions and Answers

Many people whose children have Wilms' tumor want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care and their treatment. However, the shock and stress after a Wilms' tumor diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Some patients and their families find that it is helpful to make a list of Wilms' tumor questions before their appointment.

Wilms' Tumor Treatment: Healthcare Providers

There are usually several healthcare providers involved in Wilms' tumor treatment. The doctor may refer patients to doctors who specialize in treating Wilms' tumor, or people may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat Wilms' tumor include:

Pediatric surgeons
Urologists
Pediatric oncologists
Urologic oncologists.

(Wilms' Tumor Treatment Continued: Page 2)