What are the alternative treatments for a 3-year-old with a 13cm Wilms tumor in the right kidney?

Question #29617

2 hours ago

What are the alternative treatments for a 3-year-old with a 13cm Wilms tumor in the right kidney? - #29617

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Hi Doctor , My baby 3 years OLD.In right Kidney side 13cm Willms tumor. Tumor is compressing orans and low circulation of blood flow. Stomach is tight now for baby. So doctors is saying to remove right side kidney totally. Can you please suggest opinion for best any other alternative way.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

2 hours ago

Hello
I’m very sorry your child and family are going through this. A 13 cm tumor in the kidney of a 3-year-old consistent with Wilms tumor is considered a large tumor, and when it is compressing organs and affecting blood flow, treatment usually needs to be prompt to prevent serious complications.
In most cases worldwide, the standard and safest treatment is surgical removal of the affected kidney (nephrectomy) followed by chemotherapy, and sometimes radiotherapy. Children can live normal, healthy lives with one kidney because the remaining kidney usually grows and compensates.
Regarding alternatives: there is generally no safe non-surgical “natural” or alternative cure for a large Wilms tumor. However, there are medical treatment approaches that may be considered depending on the child’s condition:
•	Pre-operative chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery (commonly used in some protocols).
•	Kidney-sparing surgery (partial nephrectomy) — possible only if the tumor location and size allow it.
•	Multidisciplinary care at a pediatric oncology center for second opinion and treatment planning.
For a tumor already causing abdominal tightness and reduced circulation, delaying treatment or relying on alternative medicine alone can be dangerous, because this cancer can grow quickly or rupture.
What you should do now:
•	If surgery has been recommended, it is usually because doctors believe it is the safest life-saving option.
•	Seek a second opinion from a pediatric cancer specialist as soon as possible, especially at a tertiary center.
•	Ask the treating team about the exact stage, whether chemotherapy before surgery is an option, and the expected outcomes.
Take care
Feel free to talk

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

1 hour ago

Hi, I’m really sorry you’re going through this. I’ll explain this clearly so you can make the best decision for your child. Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer seen in young children.
It is Usually treatable with very good success rates when managed properly. Based on your child’s current situation, the tumor is advanced locally and needs urgent treatment. Why doctors are advising kidney removal- The tumor is large and occupying most of the kidney.
Removing the affected kidney Removes the cancer completely, Relieves pressure on organs & Prevents spread. This is the standard and life-saving treatment. Is there any alternative to surgery?-  In some cases Doctors may give chemotherapy first to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy is Sometimes used before surgery. It Helps make surgery safer. But important reality is that For a large 13 cm tumor with compression, Surgery (nephrectomy) is almost always necessary. Medicines alone cannot cure it. Delaying surgery can be dangerous. Good news- Children with Wilms tumor have high cure rates (often >85–90%). Even with one kidney, children can live a completely normal life. What you should do now-
1. Follow pediatric oncology team. This is the correct specialty.
2. Ask your doctor- Will chemotherapy be given before surgery? Stage of tumor? Expected outcome?
3. Do NOT delay treatment- Time is very important in this condition.
Tumor is large and is pressing organs. Medicines alone are not enough. Surgery is needed to remove cancer. There is no safe alternative that avoids surgery completely. Nephrectomy is the standard, best, and life-saving treatment. With proper treatment, prognosis is very good.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain
MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

56 minutes ago

Hello
I’m really sorry to hear about your child’s condition. A Wilms tumor, especially when it’s affecting blood flow and compressing organs, is a serious situation. The recommendation to remove the affected kidney is often based on the need to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
### Here are some points to consider:
1. Surgical Removal:
- Total nephrectomy (removal of the kidney) is a common and often necessary treatment for Wilms tumor, especially if it’s large and causing complications. This approach aims to remove the tumor completely and prevent further issues.
2. Consultation with Specialists:
- It’s crucial to have a multidisciplinary team involved, including pediatric oncologists, urologists, and possibly a pediatric surgeon. They can provide insights into the best course of action based on the tumor’s size, location, and your child’s overall health.
3. Second Opinion:
- If you have concerns about the recommended treatment, seeking a second opinion from another pediatric oncology center can be beneficial. They may offer alternative treatment options or confirm the current plan.
4. Preoperative and Postoperative Care:
- Discuss with the doctors about preoperative care to prepare your child for surgery and postoperative care to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes pain management, nutrition, and monitoring for any complications.
5. Follow-Up Treatment:
- After surgery, your child may need additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the tumor’s characteristics. Make sure to discuss these options with the oncologist.
6. Support Systems:
- This is a challenging time for both you and your child. Consider reaching out to support groups for families dealing with childhood cancer. They can provide emotional support and practical advice.
### Important Note:
While exploring alternatives is understandable, it’s essential to prioritize treatments that have been proven effective for Wilms tumor. The medical team will have the best insights into the risks and benefits of each option.
Thank you

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