Because of gas, constipation, overeating or digestive discomfort, a child’s tummy may sometimes appear swollen. In many cases, the swelling settles without any serious concern. However, if the abdomen remains enlarged, one side appears more prominent or parents notice an unusual lump, it is important not to dismiss it as a routine digestive problem. Did you know? One possible, though it is uncommon, cause can be Wilms tumour, which is type of kidney cancer that mainly affects young children.
8 Oct 2026 | 14:25 Wilms tumour, which is also called as nephroblastoma, tends to develop in the kidney and is frequently diagnosed in children below five. Parents may first notice a firm swelling or lump in the abdomen while bathing, dressing or playing with their child. The tumour may grow without causing pain in its early stages, making it important for caregivers to pay attention to changes in the child’s abdomen and overall health.
However, blood in the urine can be seen due to several other causes and may not indicate cancer. A persistent lump or swelling in the abdomen: A lump that does not disappear, a visibly enlarged abdomen or swelling that appears more prominent on one side should be assessed by a paediatrician. Wilms tumour can present as a painless abdominal mass. Parents do not repeatedly pressing or examining the lump, as medical assessment will be needed to know the cause. Blood in the urine or even changes in urination: Some children with Wilms tumour may notice blood in the urine, which can be pink, red or brown in color. Changes in urination or discomfort may demand timely attention by the doctor. Watch out for abdominal pain, fever or high blood pressure: Although the swelling may initially be painless, some children will also suffer from abdominal discomfort, fever, poor appetite or unexplained tiredness. Wilms tumour can also be associated with high blood pressure. These symptoms are not specific to cancer, but persistent or unusual combinations of symptoms should be evaluated. Parents should watch for unexplained weight loss, reduced activity or a noticeable change in appetite, particularly when these occur alongside abdominal swelling. A child may otherwise appear healthy even when a kidney tumour is present, so the absence of other symptoms should not be a reason to ignore a persistent lump. A doctor may recommend an abdominal ultrasound and additional imaging or blood and urine tests, depending on the findings. If Wilms tumour is suspected, the doctor will decide the line of treatment for the child. Treatment involves chemotherapy, surgery to remove the affected kidney, and radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the tumour and the child’s condition. Most children tend to have a good chance of recovery with timely treatment. Dr. Shweta Bansal, Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Specialist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.