Final answer:
Wilms' tumor is a pediatric cancer diagnosed via CT scans and chest X-rays. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Monitoring factors like AFP is crucial to catch relapses early.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is Wilms' tumor, a type of cancer that primarily affects children. When someone presents with signs such as unusual lumps or swelling, hemorrhage, pain, and an enlarged liver among other symptoms, the suspicion of cancer may lead to specific diagnostic tests. A CT scan is best for Wilms' tumor, with particular attention to abdominal imaging. If lung involvement is suspected, a Chest X-ray (CXR) is necessary. Wilms' tumor is associated with other conditions like Aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, Hemihypertrophy, and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
For treatment, surgical removal of the tumor is the primary course of action, often followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Testicular cancer is also mentioned, highlighting its high cure rate with appropriate treatment, which can include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Long-term monitoring after treatment is crucial, as elevated biomarkers such as AFP can indicate cancer relapse.
If a cancer survivor like a child previously treated for teratoma has elevated AFP, it may suggest a relapse with an endodermal sinus tumor. Biopsy, such as a lymph node biopsy in suspected lymphoma, is another method to diagnose cancer by examining tissue samples for cancerous cells.