NEPHROBLASTOMATOSIS IN CHILDREN: REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND THE AUTHORS’ STUDY FINDINGS

Some nontumor processes can resemble renal tumors both clinically and morphologically. Malformations in the kidneys can lead to that the latter preserve primitive renal tissue elements that can be mistaken for nephroblastic tumors. In their clinical practice, pediatric oncologists most frequently come across, among the tumor-like processes simulating nephroblastoma (NB), a massive renal blastema that is also known as nephroblastomatosis (NBM). The paper demonstrates that there is no unified notion of NBM in children and that of a need and options for treatment. It presents data on 37 patients with bilateral NB, the development of which NBM is responsible for. The morphological and radiological signs of NBM are given. The results of treatment in the patients are provided in relation to the extent of a tumor process and the concomitance of NBM and Wilms’ tumor. NBM is shown to be a self-limiting pretumor proliferative process that is characterized by a high NB risk. When the diagnosis of NBM is verified, the patient needs antitumor treatment.