Question 1

What is Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

Wilms' tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children between ages 3 and 4. It is caused by genetic mutations that lead to overexpression of the IGF-2 gene, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth in the kidney. The IGF-2 blood test is the most important test for identifying the genetic markers associated with this pediatric kidney cancer.

Question 2

What causes Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

Wilms' tumor is caused by genetic mutations that occur during fetal kidney development, leading to abnormal cell growth in kidney tissue. The most common genetic change involves overexpression of the IGF-2 gene, which produces insulin-like growth factor 2, a protein that promotes cell multiplication. In some cases, Wilms' tumor is associated with genetic syndromes like WAGR syndrome, Denys-Drash syndrome, or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, though most cases occur spontaneously without an inherited genetic condition.

Question 3

What is the best test for Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

The IGF-2 blood test is the most important genetic marker test for Wilms' tumor because it detects elevated insulin-like growth factor 2 levels that result from overexpression of the IGF-2 gene, which is strongly linked to tumor development. While imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI are essential for diagnosing and staging the tumor, the IGF-2 test provides valuable information about the biological characteristics and genetic factors driving the cancer. This test helps healthcare providers understand the tumor's molecular profile and can guide treatment decisions by identifying patients with specific genetic patterns associated with Wilms' tumor.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if your child has a swollen or enlarged abdomen, a hard mass you can feel in the belly area, blood in the urine, fever without infection, abdominal pain, or high blood pressure. Children with genetic syndromes like WAGR, Denys-Drash, or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome should undergo regular screening since they have a higher risk of developing Wilms' tumor. Testing is also important if there is a family history of kidney cancer or if your child shows unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or persistent fatigue combined with abdominal symptoms.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

Wilms' tumor symptoms include a noticeable abdominal swelling or lump that you can feel when touching your child's belly, blood in the urine that may appear pink or red, abdominal pain or discomfort, and fever without an obvious infection. Other signs include high blood pressure, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, constipation, nausea and vomiting, and general fatigue or lethargy. Many children with Wilms' tumor appear otherwise healthy, which is why a palpable abdominal mass discovered during routine examination is often the first clue to diagnosis.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

Children between ages 3 and 4 are at highest risk for Wilms' tumor, though it can occur from infancy through age 15. African American children have a slightly higher incidence compared to other ethnic groups, and girls are marginally more affected than boys. Children with genetic conditions including WAGR syndrome, Denys-Drash syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, or hemihypertrophy face significantly elevated risk. Those born with certain congenital abnormalities affecting the urinary tract, genitals, or experiencing overgrowth conditions also have increased susceptibility, as do children with a family history of Wilms' tumor.

Question 7

What happens if Wilms' tumor is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Wilms' tumor will continue to grow and spread beyond the kidney to other organs, most commonly the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. The cancer can metastasize rapidly, making treatment significantly more difficult and reducing survival rates dramatically. As the tumor grows, it can cause kidney failure, severe abdominal complications, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and internal bleeding. Without treatment, Wilms' tumor is fatal, but with proper medical intervention including surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation, the survival rate exceeds 90 percent for early-stage disease, making early detection and treatment absolutely critical.

Question 8

Can Wilms' tumor be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Wilms' tumor cannot be definitively diagnosed with a blood test alone, as diagnosis requires imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI combined with tissue examination. However, blood tests play an important supporting role by measuring genetic markers like IGF-2 levels, which are often elevated in children with Wilms' tumor due to overexpression of the IGF-2 gene. Blood work also helps assess kidney function, check for anemia, evaluate liver enzymes, and monitor overall health status before and during treatment. Complete blood counts and metabolic panels provide essential information for staging the disease and planning appropriate therapy.

Question 9

How is Wilms' tumor treated?

Accepted Answer

Wilms' tumor is treated with a combination of surgery to remove the affected kidney (nephrectomy), chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, and sometimes radiation therapy for more advanced stages. Treatment typically begins with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, followed by surgical removal of the kidney containing the cancer, and then additional chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. The specific treatment plan depends on the tumor stage, how far it has spread, and the tumor's histology or cell characteristics. Most children with Wilms' tumor respond very well to treatment, with cure rates exceeding 90 percent for favorable-histology tumors caught in early stages.

Question 10

How can I prevent Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

Wilms' tumor cannot be prevented because it develops from genetic mutations that occur during fetal development, often before birth. However, children with known genetic syndromes associated with increased Wilms' tumor risk should undergo regular screening with abdominal ultrasounds every three to four months until at least age 7. Parents should be vigilant about routine pediatric checkups where doctors examine the abdomen for unusual masses. While there are no lifestyle factors proven to prevent Wilms' tumor, early detection through screening in high-risk children and prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and significantly better treatment outcomes.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my child with Wilms' tumor?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on providing nutritious meals with adequate protein to support your child's immune system and healing during treatment, keeping them well-hydrated, and ensuring they get plenty of rest between medical appointments. Create a calm, supportive environment that reduces stress and anxiety, maintain as much normal routine as possible to provide emotional stability, and encourage gentle activities that your child enjoys without putting pressure on the abdomen. Coordinate closely with your medical team about medications, side effect management, and warning signs that require immediate attention. Connect with support groups for families dealing with pediatric cancer to share experiences and coping strategies during this challenging time.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Wilms' Tumor Blood Test

What is Wilms' tumor?

What causes Wilms' tumor?

What is the best test for Wilms' tumor?

When should I get tested for Wilms' tumor?

References

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