Nephroblastoma (Wilms’ tumour)

Wilms’ tumour is a common extracranial solid tumour of childhood; it typically presents as a painless abdominal mass, haematuria or fever. In the UK, it is treated according to the European International Society of Paediatric Oncology protocols: initial imaging by CT and Trucut needle biopsy followed by preoperative chemotherapy. Surgery involves radical nephrectomy and lymph node sampling. Histological examination of the kidney determines the stage and the histological grade of the tumour; postoperative treatment is decided on these two criteria. The overall survival for Wilms’ tumour is about 90%.