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Signs and Symptoms of Wilms Tumors
Wilms tumors happen most often in young children. There are several possible symptoms of Wilms tumors, but these tumors often grow quite large before causing any symptoms. Children may look healthy and act and play normally.
Swelling or a large lump in the abdomen (belly)
This is often the first sign of a Wilms tumor. Parents may notice swelling or hardness in the belly while bathing or dressing the child. The lump is usually on one side of the belly, but sometimes it might be large enough to be felt on both sides. It’s usually not painful, but it might be in some children.
Other possible symptoms
Some children with Wilms tumor may also have:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation
- Blood in the urine
Wilms tumors can also sometimes cause high blood pressure. This doesn't usually cause symptoms on its own, but in rare cases blood pressure can get high enough to cause problems such as headaches, bleeding inside the eye, or even a change in consciousness.
Many of the possible signs and symptoms of Wilms tumors are more likely caused by something else. Still, if your child has any of these symptoms, check with their doctor so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
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- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Fernandez CV, Geller JI, Ehrlich PF, et al. Chapter 24: Renal Tumors. In: Blaney SM, Adamson PC, Helman LJ, eds. Pizzo and Poplack’s Principles and Practice of Pediatric Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2021.
National Cancer Institute. Wilms Tumor and Other Childhood Kidney Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. 2024. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/types/kidney/hp/wilms-treatment-pdq on November 21, 2024.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®): Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma). V2.2024. Accessed at https://www.nccn.org on November 21, 2024.
Smith V, Chintagumpala M. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and staging of Wilms tumor. UpToDate. 2024. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-presentation-diagnosis-and-staging-of-wilms-tumor on November 21, 2024.
Last Revised: January 21, 2025
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