Wilms’ Tumor Treatment Cost in India

Wilms’ tumor is also known as nephroblastoma, is the most common kidney cancer majorly found in children below 5 years of age. However, the chances of Wilms’ tumor after 6 years of age decreases but it could occur among older children too. 

Wilms’ tumor commonly affects one kidney of children but in a few cases, it can affect both the kidneys. The prognosis is excellent if treated on time with excellent recovery. Wilms’ tumor treatment cost in India is affordable India but that also depends on how well your body responds to the treatment.

Although Wilms’ tumor could affect anyone but target females more than males. 

Wilms’ Tumor Treatment Cost in India 

 The treatment cost depends on various factors: experience of the surgeon in the field, location of the hospital, facilities provided in a hospital & duration of stay in the hospital.

The cost of treatment also depends on their type whether surgery or a combination of treatment that is surgery with chemotherapy or radiotherapy is advised. The cost of surgery ranges from 534 USD to 1335 USD and the cost of chemotherapy or radiotherapy ranges from 467 USD to 1335 USD.

Causes of Wilms’ Tumor 

So far, no causes and risk factors are identified by researchers that could lead to Wilms’ tumor. In rare cases, patients with a family history of Wilms’ Tumor had inherited the disease but the percentage of such cases is very low. 

However, the children who have disorders from birth are more at risk of developing Wilms’ Tumor. The birth disorders that could increase the chance of Wilms’ Tumor are – 

Eye disorder (Aniridia), where the colored portion of the eye (known as the iris) is either not formed or partially formed.

WAGR syndrome – WAGR is an acronym for Wilms’ tumor, Aniridia, Genitourinary problems, and the chances of developing Wilms’ Tumor syndrome increases in this syndrome. This syndrome causes urinary tract problems otherwise.

Denys – Drash syndrome – In this syndrome, men start developing traits of both male and female.

Hemihypertrophy – Baby born with oversized arms or legs.

Symptoms of Wilms Tumor 

Children with Wilms’ tumor reflect one of the symptoms mentioned below. Parents should take a note if the child is having any of the mentioned symptoms that are taking too long to go away then consult a medical practitioner on an immediate basis for a better diagnosis.

The symptoms are – 

• Fever or increase in body temperature 
• Difficulty in passing stools or constipation 
• Pain in abdomen 
• Swelling in abdomen
• Nausea 
• High blood pressure 
• Blood in the urine
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite 
• Body weakness 
• Breathing difficulty 
• Chest pain due to high blood pressure
• Growth or mass in the abdomen area

These are very common signs and symptoms could be seen with other medical conditions as well. So, consult with a specialized doctor for a better diagnosis.

Signs of Wilms’ Tumor 

Usually, children often do not show any signs of Wilms’ Tumor. Parents could feel a growth or mass in the abdomen area. This could lead to swelling in the abdomen or pain in the abdomen.

Diagnosis of Wilms Tumor 

If you feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your child, born with a birth disorder as well then must consult your doctor. To diagnose Wilm’s tumor below mentioned following steps can be taken up:

Physical examination – Your doctor will examine your child physically to look for signs of Wilms’ tumor.

Medical history – Your doctor would lookup for any genetic or family history, birth disorders to carry out the diagnosis of Wilms’ tumor. 

Routine investigations – Few basic investigations like CBC ( Complete Blood Count ) and other blood tests are advised to look at how well the kidneys are functioning. 

Urine test – Urine investigations are also advised for better diagnosis.

Radiographic investigations – CT scans or MRI scans should be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Abdominal ultrasound – Abdominal x-ray or ultrasound is an important routine investigation done to confirm the diagnosis. 

Staging of Wilms’  Tumor 

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, identifying the stage of cancer is important to confirm whether the cancer is localized (only in the kidney) or has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body ).

With the ideal diagnosis of stage of cancer further the line of treatment is planned by doctors for quick recovery.

There are 5 stages of Wilms Tumor – 

Stage 1 – The cancer is only in one kidney and can be easily removed by surgery. 50 percent of Wilms’ tumors are in Stage 1 only. 

Stage 2 – Cancer has spread to other structures of the affected kidney but it can be removed easily by surgery.

Stage3 – Cancer has spread to nearby structures in the kidney like lymph nodes and cannot be removed completely with surgery. Few cancerous cells might remain in the abdomen after surgery also.

Stage 4 – Cancer has spread to other organs like lungs, liver, and other nearby structures. 

Stage 5 – The cancer is in both the kidneys.