Two years ago, the Lazo family was shocked to learn that daughter Cassie, then seven, had cancer. She was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, a rare form of childhood kidney cancer that is also called nephroblastoma. According to Kristi Krueger and Kathleen Corso of Local10, the last two years have been marked by aggressive treatment. Not only has Cassie undergone surgery, but multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.
Of course, the treatment journey is never easy. But Cassie has thrived. She recently celebrated her ninth birthday, and her family says that she is a wonderful, joyous girl who is full of spunk and energy.
To Cassie: the Patient Worthy team wishes you a happy birthday! May all of your dreams come true.
About Wilms’ Tumor
While this kidney cancer predominantly affects children between ages 3-5, it can occur in older children and—in rarer cases—adults. Doctors are not exactly sure what causes Wilms’ tumors to occur, though they have identified risk factors. Known risk factors include being African-American, having a family history of Wilms’ tumor, and having conditions such as aniridia, hemihypertrophy, Denys-Drash syndrome, WAGR syndrome, or Beckwith-Wiedmann syndrome. Symptoms of this tumor may, but do not always, include:
- An abdominal mass
- Abdominal pain and/or swelling
- Fever
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Constipation
- Not feeling hungry
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Much like Cassie was treated, doctors typically begin treating Wilms’ tumors with surgical intervention. After removing part or all of one or both kidneys, as well as any affected surrounding tissue, patients are often treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Radiation is less common when treating this cancer.
If you have, or are a survivor of, Wilms’ tumor and are looking for support, consider checking out the Mayo Clinic’s Adolescent & Youth (AYA) Cancer Support Group.
