When to worry about abdominal swelling with Wilms Tumour

Wilms Tumour develops in the kidney area and may make the abdomen look or feel fuller. A child may have discomfort, reduced appetite, nausea, or a change in urine, although symptoms vary. The swelling can also have another cause, including constipation or fluid, so avoid pressing or repeatedly examining the area.

Call the child’s oncology team and describe when the swelling was noticed, whether it is getting larger, and how the child is eating, drinking, passing urine, and opening their bowels. Follow the team’s instructions about medicines and activity. Do not massage the abdomen or give a new medicine without checking first.

Seek urgent help if the child has severe pain, repeated vomiting, a very tense or tender abdomen, marked sleepiness, faintness, fever with a child who appears unwell, or difficulty breathing. Very little urine, blood in the urine, or inability to pass stool also warrants urgent assessment. Use emergency services for severe breathing trouble or collapse.

Ask which changes require a same-day call, how the team will examine the abdomen safely, whether constipation or fluid could contribute, and what to do if pain, vomiting, urine changes, or appetite loss appear between appointments.