Wilms Tumor

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Wilms' tumor is one of the few cancers directly associated to a chromosomal defect. It is most common in young children because the defect occurs while developing in the womb and is usually not detected for a long time. The defect is found on chromosome 11 and one disease, aniridia, which causes children to be born with no irises, is also caused by a defect on chromosome 11 and this makes children 1000 times more likely to be diagnosed with wilms' tumor. Another cause is mutations in the WT1 protein, the protein which suppresses tumors. Wilms' is treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these. During surgery, the other kidney, liver, and tissue surrounding the affected organs is tested. Wilms' tumor is more common if another family member has had it, not necessarily the parent, sometimes an uncle or cousin.