Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Since Wilms' tumor occurs in young children, there are no known behavioral risk factors. However, there are certain syndromes and birth defects that may increase the risk of a child developing the disease:
Age
Wilms' tumor most often occurs in young children between the ages of two and five.
Race
African-American children are more likely to develop Wilms' tumor than white children. Asian-American children have a slightly lower risk.
Genetic syndromes
Certain genetic syndromes such as nephroblastomatosis, WAGR syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Denys-Drash syndrome may increase a child's risk of developing Wilms' tumor.
- Nephroblastomatosis is a condition that causes abnormal tissue growth on the outside of the kidneys.
- WAGR syndrome is a genetic condition that results from a defect in chromosome 11.
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is also a genetic condition that results from a defect in chromosome 11.
- Denys-Drash syndrome is a condition in which a genetic mutation causes the kidneys to stop functioning properly in young children.
Family history
Children with relatives who have been diagnosed with Wilms' tumors may be more likely to develop the disease.
