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Kidney Cancer - Wilms' Tumor (nephroblastoma)Causes and Risk FactorsThe exact causes why certain children develop Wilms tumor are not known yet, but medical researchers have made progress in understanding some of the mechanisms that lead to Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma). Wilms tumors form when undifferentiated kidney cells do not correctly mature and remain as fetal kidney cells. These cells can collect in clusters, grow and divide abnormally causing tumors to form. In some cases, the impaired maturation process of the kidney cells, that lead to Wilms tumors, is caused by a mutation that occurs in two genes called WT1 and WT2. These mutations cause an overgrowth in certain tissues.
A family history of Wilms' tumor: Between 1 to 3 percent of the children that suffer from Wilms tumor have one or more relatives with this type of kidney cancer. In these cases, researchers believe that the children inherited a mutated gene from one of the parents, a mutation which has increased the risk for cancer. Displaying certain birth defects: There is a high connection between Wilms tumor and birth defects specific to certain syndromes, such as:
Abnormalities of the genitals or urinary system:
Article by Alina Morrow, MS Page Covers: What are the causes & risk factors for Wilms Tumor
(kidney cancer)? How do you get it?
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Page Last Modified:
10/13/2010