[A case of adult Wilms' tumor]

A 35-year-old woman patient, complained of intermittent pain in the left flank for a week. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed a left renal mass. Nephrectomy was performed, and a final diagnosis of adult Wilms' tumor was made based on histopathology and immunohistology. Chemotherapy was conducted for 4 times with dactinomycin D, vincristine and doxorubicin after surgery. At the time of the last recheck, the patient was alive with no evidence of disease. Adult Wilms' tumor is the exceptional malignant renal tumor. Only 1%-2% of Wilms' tumor is diagnosed in adult patients. Because of unspecific tumor symptoms in adults, the diagnosis is frequently made by histology. The diagnosis of adult Wilms' tumor is difficult to make preoperatively because diagnostic imaging only confirms the presence of a renal mass. Stage and histology are the clinical factors guiding the selection of postsurgical treatment and prognosis. Having retrospected 6 cases of adult Wilms' tumor between 1950 and 2007 and reviewed related reports, we conclude that the proper strategies of adjuvant treatment as applied to childhood Wilms' tumor patients after surgery can conspicuously improve the outcome in adult patients.