Stages of Wilms' Tumor
Staging refers to the extent of a cancer within the body, including whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. In order to stage a disease, doctors perform exams and tests to learn more about the disease, especially to see whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. There are five stages of Wilm's tumor.
Stage I
Cancer is found in the kidney only and can be completely removed by surgery.
Stage II
Cancer has spread to tissue near the kidney, to blood vessels, or to the renal sinus (a part of the kidney through which blood and fluid enter and exit). The cancer can be completely removed by surgery.
Stage III
Cancer has spread to tissues near the kidney and cannot be completely removed by surgery. The cancer may have spread to blood vessels or organs near the kidney or throughout the abdomen. The cancer may also have spread to lymph nodes near the kidney.
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to organs further away from the kidney, such as the lungs, liver, bone and brain.
Stage V
Cancer cells are found in both kidneys.