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While it is typically more common in adults, some rare types of kidney cancer occur more frequently in children. Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is cancer involving the kidneys. It is one of the more common types of cancer, with the National Cancer Institute estimating that doctors will diagnose roughly 79,000 new cases in 2022. However, there are many different types of kidney cancer. Despite it being very uncommon in people under the age of 45 years, certain types can affect children. Childhood kidney cancers account for roughly 7% of all childhood cancer, with Wilms’ tumor being the most common type. Each year, there are about 500–600 new cases of Wilms’ tumor in the United States. While it remains unknown why some kidney cancers develop during childhood, many typically relate to genetic alterations. In this article, we will discuss childhood kidney cancer, including types, symptoms, causes, and treatments. Kidney cancer in children Share on PinterestFG Trade/Getty ImagesChildhood kidney cancer refers to when cancer develops in the kidneys. The kidneys help filter the waste, toxins, and excess water that naturally build up within the blood. When kidney cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, this can impact their function and lead to the development of tumors. While the risk of cancer tends to increase with age, and childhood kidney cancer is very rare, it is still possible for renal tumors to develop in children. According to a 2022 study, around 6% of all childhood cancers are kidney cancers. There are many types of childhood kidney tumors, such as:Wilms’ tumorrenal cell carcinomarhabdoid tumor of the kidneyclear cell sarcoma of the kidneycongenital mesoblastic nephromaEwing sarcoma of the kidneyprimary renal myoepithelial carcinomacystic partially differentiated nephroblastomamultilocular cystic nephromaprimary renal synovial sarcomaanaplastic sarcoma of the kidney Causes Researchers are still unsure about the exact cause of childhood kidney cancer. However, evidence suggests that changes in certain genes may increase the likelihood of developing renal tumors. Certain conditions or environmental exposures may further increase a child’s risk. As such, a doctor may suggest genetic counseling if a child has certain syndromes or conditions. For example, Wilms’ tumor is the most common type of childhood kidney cancer, with evidence suggesting that about 9 in 10 kidney cancers in children are Wilms’ tumors. Many underlying conditions or genetic changes may increase the risk of uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in immature kidney cells clustering into a mass, leading to a tumor in the kidney. There is a strong genetic component to the development of Wilms’ tumor. Evidence notes that in roughly 99% of cases, one of the child’s parents also has the condition. Moreover, research notes that gene alterations, such as SMARCB1, TFE, NTRK3, and ETV6, can result in the development of other, rarer renal tumors in children. Symptoms According to a 2018 study, there are several common symptoms of kidney cancer in children. The symptoms can include:an abdominal mass or lumppain and swelling in the abdomenblood in urineloss of appetiteweakness or tirednessconstipationfeverhigh blood pressure Diagnosis To reach a diagnosis, a doctor will complete a medical history and perform a physical examination of the child. If they suspect kidney cancer, they may order additional tests to help determine whether it is cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The tests the doctor may order include:abdominal ultrasoundabdominal CAT scanMRI scanblood and urine testsbiopsychest X-raybone scan Treatment There are different types of treatments available for children with kidney tumors. A doctor will consider the type and stage of cancer when deciding on a treatment plan. A pediatric oncologist — a doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer — will oversee the treatment and lead a team that may consist of specialists such as pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and pediatric urologists. Treatment options may include:surgeryradiation therapychemotherapyimmunotherapyhigh dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescuetargeted therapy Prognosis There is no single prognosis for childhood kidney cancer. The outlook changes with the specific form of the cancer that an individual might have, although it does tend to be quite positive. Similar to other types of cancer, the earlier a person receives a diagnosis and begins treatment, the better the prognosis. For example, for Wilms’ tumor, the overall survival rate may be as high as 86–99%, although in some individuals, it can be as low as 38–84%. For congenital mesoblastic nephroma, a 2015 study notes that the 5-year survival and overall survival rates of infants are 94% and 96%, respectively. Summary Childhood kidney cancer refers to a rare group of renal cancers that affect children. There are many different types of kidney cancers that can develop during childhood, with Wilms’ tumor being the most common. Researchers are still unsure as to the exact cause of these cancers. They understand, however, that genetics plays a role. If a pediatrician suspects kidney cancer, they can perform tests to help identify and stage the cancer. There are different treatment options available, such as nephrectomy, which is surgery to remove the kidney. Generally, the outlook for childhood kidney cancer is rather positive. Last medically reviewed on May 30, 2022Cancer / OncologyPediatrics / Children's HealthMedically reviewed by Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN — By Mathieu Rees on May 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about kidney cancerMedically reviewed by Yamini Ranchod, PhD, MS Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers. Symptoms may include pain in the side and blood in the urine. Learn about symptoms and treatment, and…READ MOREWhat to know about Wilm's tumorMedically reviewed by Christina Chun, MPH Wilms' tumor or nephroblastoma is a kidney cancer that generally affects children, and very rarely adults. The tumor was named after Dr. Max Wilms…READ MOREWhat are the different types of kidney cancers? There are different types of kidney cancers. Learn more about the different types and the outlook for each here.READ MOREWhere are the kidneys located, what do they do, and what do they look like? The kidneys are essential for balancing the body's internal environment. If they do not work properly, problems can arise with various bodily…READ MOREWhat is renal cell carcinoma?Medically reviewed by Joseph Brito III, MD Renal cell carcinoma is a common type of cancer that affects the kidneys. Learn more here.READ MORE