Wilms' tumor

Wilms tumor is a neoplasm of the kidneys that typically occurs in children. It is eponymously named after Dr Max Wilms, a German surgeon (1867-1918). It is also known as a nephroblastoma.

A triphasic nephroblastoma comprises three elements

• blastema
• mesenchyme
• epithelium

The mesenchymal component may include cells showing rhabdomyoid differentiation. The rhabdomyoid component may itself show features of malignancy (rhabdomyosarcomatous Wilms).

Wilms tumor may be sporadic or familial. Predisposition to this neoplasm forms part of some syndromes.