# Wilms tumor in adults—an unusual encounter: a case report

## TL;DR

A 24-year-old woman was diagnosed with a rare Wilms tumor, highlighting the challenges in diagnosing this pediatric cancer in adults.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on adult Wilms tumor and raises awareness among medical professionals.

## Key findings

- Wilms tumor in adults is extremely rare and often misdiagnosed as renal cell carcinoma.
- Definitive diagnosis requires histopathological evaluation of the tumor specimen.
- This case emphasizes the need for awareness of Wilms tumor in adult populations.

## Abstract

Wilms tumor, or nephroblastoma, arises from embryonal metanephric blastemal cells and is the most common renal malignancy in the pediatric population. However, its occurrence in adults is extremely rare, with only a limited number of cases documented in the literature. In adults, renal masses most commonly turn out to be renal cell carcinomas, which can closely mimic Wilms tumor on imaging, posing a significant diagnostic challenge. Particularly in resource-limited settings, definitive diagnosis is often established only after histopathological evaluation of nephrectomy specimens.

We present the case of a 24-year-old Indian woman who presented with a progressively enlarging lump in the right flank. The subsequent investigations revealed a right renal mass, suspected to be malignant, for which the patient underwent a right radical nephrectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of adult Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma).

This case highlights the rare occurrence of Wilms tumor in an adult female and underscores the diagnostic challenges it poses. We aim to contribute to the limited body of literature on adult nephroblastoma and promote awareness of this rare entity among clinicians and pathologists.