Comprehensive Care for Childhood Kidney Cancer
Comprehensive CareKidney cancer in children is a rare condition that occurs when abnormal growth appears in the tissue of the kidney. These irregular cancer cells can divide out of control and form a tumorous mass.
At the Children's Hospital of New York, our pediatric cancer teams understand the complexities of kidney cancer and treat our patients with expertise and compassion. We have the latest technology to fight all forms of childhood kidney cancer, including Wilms tumors, the most common and treatable type.
Types of Pediatric Kidney Tumors We Treat
What We TreatThe Children's Hospital of New York treats all types of kidney tumors in children, including:
- Wilms tumor. Wilms tumor is the most common type of kidney cancer found in children, involving one or both kidneys. Ninety percent of Wilms tumor cases can be cured.
- Renal cell cancer. Renal cancer typically affects adolescents between 15 and 19 years old. Also called renal cell carcinoma, the disease usually starts in the lining of the small tubes of the kidney.
- Rhabdoid tumor of the kidney. This type of kidney cancer most frequently affects infants and young children. Because it grows and spreads quickly, it is often at an advanced stage when diagnosed.
- Clear cell sarcoma. This is a rare form of kidney cancer more common in children under 3 years of age.
- Congenital mesoblastic nephroma. This kind of tumor is typically found before birth or within the first year of being born. It is the most common kidney tumor diagnosed in infants under 6 months (in males more than females) and has a high curability rate.
- Ewing sarcoma. This type of kidney cancer is more common in young adults and can spread quickly throughout the body.
- Primary renal myoepithelial carcinoma. This rare, quick-spreading form of cancer can affect the soft tissues and internal organs such as the kidney.
- Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma. This rare form of kidney tumor is comprised of cysts.
- Multilocular cystic nephroma. These are benign (noncancerous) tumors made of cysts, most commonly found in biologically female people, infants, and young children.
- Primary renal synovial sarcoma is a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma comprised of cyst-like tumors of the kidney. It is usually diagnosed in young adults and can spread quickly.
- Anaplastic sarcoma of the kidney. This is an extremely rare and newly recognized type of kidney cancer, most common in children under the age of 15.
Signs & Symptoms of Childhood Kidney Tumors
SymptomsWith childhood kidney cancer, early detection is key. Some pediatric tumors do not cause symptoms, but awareness of the signs can lead to a quicker diagnosis and a more successful treatment outcome.
Signs of kidney cancer in children, including Wilms tumor symptoms, can include:
- A lump in the abdomen
- Blood in the urine
- High blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained fatigue
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Anemia
Our Approach to Care
Our ApproachAt the Children's Hospital of New York, our treatments for childhood kidney cancer can involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to remove the tumor (partial nephrectomy) or the kidney (nephrectomy). Your child may also have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of innovative treatments.
We believe in treating the whole patient, not just the cancer. Your cancer care team will consist of pediatric surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists working with social workers, pediatric psychologists/psychiatrists, art therapists, dietitians, and others to make your child’s experience as comfortable as possible.
If your child needs care from a doctor in another field, we can offer that too, with every type of pediatric specialist available through the Children's Hospital of New York.
Why Choose Us
Who Choose UsIf your child has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, we understand the urgency to get the best treatment possible. At the Children's Hospital of New York, we personalize each child’s treatment plan, connecting families to the therapies and resources they need.
If the cancer comes back, your team of experts will continue to explore innovative treatments and investigational therapies in clinical trials.
Comprehensive Childhood Kidney Cancer Care from the Children's Hospital of New York
The Children's Hospital of New York offers world-renowned care for a range of rare pediatric diseases, including childhood kidney cancer and kidney disease. Our specialists can provide a diagnosis for your child and start them on an individualized treatment plan as quickly as possible. Our compassionate multidisciplinary teams will lend support to your child and entire family.
Reach out to the Children's Hospital of New York today to learn more.