In children, what type of tumor accounts for about 50% of the cases observed?

Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most common type of kidney cancer in children and accounts for approximately 50% of pediatric kidney tumors. It typically occurs in children aged 3 to 4 years and can present as a palpable abdominal mass, often with associated symptoms such as hematuria, abdominal pain, or hypertension. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment cannot be overstated, as it significantly improves outcomes.

While neurogenic tumors, medulloblastomas, and teratomas are also relevant in pediatric oncology, they do not account for the same proportion of cases as Wilms tumor. Neurogenic tumors arise from neural tissue but are less common and vary greatly in type and location. Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor and, while prevalent in pediatric populations, primarily affects the cerebellum and does not pertain to abdominal tumors. Teratomas can occur in various locations and have different characteristics, but they do not represent the majority of pediatric cases compared to Wilms tumor. Thus, the designation of Wilms tumor as the most frequently observed tumor type in children underscores its significance in pediatric oncology.