Wilms' Tumor Support
Nephroblastoma, or Wilms tumor, is a malignant disease in the childhood body that affects the kidney. Nephroblastoma occurs in children aged 2-3 years, the maximum age of development of nephroblastoma is 6 years. Nephroblastoma is a malignant tumor that develops from embryonic kidney tissue. Since a large number of embryonic cells in kidney tissues persist up to 6 years, nephroblastoma can occur only at this age. Why nephroblastoma develops, scientists cannot yet give an exhaustive answer to this question. Everything is written off for genetic predisposition or congenital chronic kidney diseases, from which a tumor is formed.
It is often possible to diagnose a Wilms tumor already during a general examination – during a probe of the abdomen. Wilms tumor is defined as a dense cusp in the abdomen, sedentary and painless. Nephroblastoma affects one kidney on the left or right side. Two-sided nephroblastoma is a rarity. At an early stage, nephroblastoma does not show anything and does not bother the child. As the tumor grows, blood appears in the urine, abdominal pain due to the germination of nephroblastoma into adjacent tissues, and body temperature and blood pressure increase.
Patient care
Wilms tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming. Tel Aviv Medical Clinic experts understand the symptoms and possible side effects of treatment, including the social and psychological aspects of the necessary treatment and recovery. It may be helpful for you to speak to other patients or families who have had similar experiences with Wilms tumor. Ask your child care team to arrange a conversation for you with some former patients and their families. We also offer a wide range of support programs that help children, family members and caregivers cope with several life problems during and after treatment.
Since cancer can affect children in different ways, we have a team of specialists who deal with the psychological and social needs of your child. These specialists offer assistance to our patients and their family members when dealing with a cancer diagnosis, supporting our therapeutic teams. Our psychological care team includes:
- Social workers;
- Specialists in child life;
- Teachers;
- Priests;
- Managers and support staff;
- Nurses;
- Physiotherapists and therapists;
- Nutrition experts;
- Psychiatrists;
- Specialists of integrative medicine;
- Patient Service Coordinators;
- Patient representatives.
In addition to our work with other groups in the clinic, we also enlist the support of external agencies, programs and organizations to meet the needs of our families.