Kidney Cancer Care
Kidney Cancer Care
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If your child has been diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, also called nephroblastoma, or another form of kidney cancer, it is crucial to find experts who have experience treating these diseases. Kidney cancer can significantly affect a child’s growth and development and is often accompanied by other conditions that require special consideration during treatment.
At Columbia, we understand the impact this disease and its treatment can have on a child and their family. We’re committed to helping children with kidney cancer achieve the best outcomes and make sure they can focus on what’s important during their treatment.
What Are Kidney Tumors?
The kidneys are a pair of organs that filter waste materials and extra water from the blood and help keep certain chemicals at the right levels in the body. The kidneys also produce hormones that help control important functions. When cells in the tissues of the kidneys and surrounding structures multiply unchecked, they form a mass, or tumor. These tumors can affect kidney function and can spread to other areas of the body.
Wilms’ tumors are the most common type of kidney cancer in children and can develop in one or both kidneys. They can be accompanied by other disorders and conditions that affect a child’s development, including reproductive or urinary conditions, microcephaly (abnormally small head size), and hemihypertrophy (one side or part of the body is noticeably larger than the other). Wilms’ tumors can be caused by a random genetic mutation, although a small percentage of cases are hereditary in nature.
There are also other, rarer forms of pediatric kidney cancer that require specialized diagnosis and treatment. But as with all types of kidney cancer, early diagnosis and treatment is the most effective way to improve outcomes. When treated early and aggressively, more than 90% of Wilms' tumors are curable.
Care at Columbia
From common kidney tumors to rare cancer types, our multidisciplinary team of specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s unique needs. Our team of pediatric surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and support staff are ready to partner with you and your child.
A Leader in Pediatric Surgery
Most children with kidney tumors will require surgery as part of their treatment. Columbia is an established leader in surgical innovation and excellence.
Treatments Informed By Cutting-edge Research
As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, we offer access to advanced therapies driven by the latest research including the latest clinical trials.
Personalized Treatments Using Precision Medicine
Because every tumor is different, we tailor your child’s treatment plans based on the genetic features of their tumor.
Support for You, Your Child, and Your Whole Family
Kidney cancer and its treatment can take a toll on your entire family. Treatments like surgery and chemotherapy can be challenging. And children treated for Wilms’ tumor and other cancers can develop complications later on, even many years after their initial treatment. Our wellness and survivorship programs offer support for you and your family now and further down the road of recovery.
Conditions We Treat
- Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney
- Congenital mesoblastic nephroma
- Wilms’ tumor (nephroblastoma)
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Renal medullary carcinoma
- Rhabdoid tumor
Treatment We Offer
- Chemotherapy
- Investigational treatments through clinical trials
- Proton therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Nephrectomy
- Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS)