Pediatric Programs
Kidney Tumors
The kidneys are a pair of matched organs shaped like kidney beans found in the abdomen. They function as part of the urinary system to filter waste from the body. Each kidney produces urine and sends it to the urinary bladder for storage through a tiny tube called a ureter. Eventually the waste is excreted through the urethra when a child urinates.
The most common type of kidney tumor children develop is called Wilms' Tumor. Approximately 500 children, mostly between two and four years of age, are diagnosed with Wilms' Tumor each year. Wilms' tumor is successfully treated in the majority of affected children. Other types of childhood kidney tumors are clear cell sarcoma, rhabdoid tumor and neuroepithelial.
Through Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care, children with kidney tumors receive treatment at both Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston. Our cancer specialists from Dana-Farber work very closely with the pediatric experts at Children's to ensure every aspect of your child's health is overseen before, during and after their treatment period.
