Beware of Childhood Kidney Cancer! Recognise the Symptoms of Abdominal Enlargement and Fever Early
Parental awareness in recognising physical changes in children is the key to detecting childhood kidney cancer early. One of the most critical yet frequently overlooked symptoms is abdominal enlargement, often mistaken for ordinary bloating.
Dr Nur Melani Sari, a paediatrician specialist consultant in haematology-oncology, explained that kidney cancer in children, particularly Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma), has characteristics very different from adult cancer.
“Cancer in children typically occurs in cells that are still developing or not yet mature. There is an error in the developmental process, so cells do not grow as they should,” said Nur Melani, also a member of the Coordinating Work Unit for Haemato-Oncology of the Indonesian Paediatric Medical Association (IDAI), on Tuesday (10 March).
Melani emphasised that parents should carefully distinguish between bloating and the presence of a tumour mass. According to her, enlarged abdomen due to a tumour will feel firmer when touched, and the lump is not easily movable.
In addition to abdominal enlargement, there are several accompanying symptoms that parents must watch for. “Often parents bring their children to a doctor because of fever complaints, not because of the lump. This is because kidney tumour lumps often cause no pain initially,” she added.
The good news is that kidney cancer in children has a very high prognosis or chance of recovery if detected at an early stage. Dr Melani noted that cure rates can reach 80% to 90%.
“If detected early before spread occurs, the chance of recovery is very high. Treatment will be much more effective with lower risk of complications,” she explained.
The initial diagnostic step is usually performed through ultrasound imaging (USG), which is quick and non-invasive. If there is strong suspicion, the doctor will proceed with CT scanning to see the detailed condition of the child’s kidneys.
As a preventive measure and to maintain long-term health, parents are urged to continue implementing healthy lifestyle patterns, providing balanced nutrition, and protecting children from tobacco smoke exposure from an early age.