Does kidney removal surgery treat Wilms tumour?

Wilms tumour, also called nephroblastoma, develops in a kidney and mainly affects children. Surgery may remove the affected kidney and nearby tissues so the tumour can be examined and treated locally. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery to treat cancer cells beyond the kidney and to guide the overall sequence.

The team considers the child's age, scan findings, tumour side and extent, kidney function, and the condition of the other kidney. Some children need a different operation or additional treatment, so the plan is individualised by paediatric specialists.

Ask the paediatric oncology team to explain the order of medicines, surgery, and scans in language your child can understand. Share all medicines and supplements, and tell the team about fever, reduced drinking, vomiting, pain, or changes in urine. Keep appointments for blood tests and kidney-function checks.

Contact the treatment team promptly if the child develops fever, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, worsening abdominal pain, blood in the urine, or much less urine. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, a very swollen abdomen, or a child who is difficult to wake.

Will surgery remove the whole kidney or preserve part of it? Is chemotherapy planned before or after the operation? How will the remaining kidney be monitored? Which symptoms mean we should call immediately rather than wait for the next visit?