What is the most common solid renal tumor in children?

The most common solid renal tumor in children is nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms tumor. This type of cancer typically occurs in children aged 3 to 4 years and is characterized by a mass in the kidney that can often be felt during a physical examination. Nephroblastoma arises from the embryonic kidney tissue and has a favorable prognosis when identified early and treated appropriately.

This tumor's prevalence and distinct characteristics help differentiate it from other types of tumors that may also occur in children but have different origins and common locations in the body. For instance, neuroblastoma primarily arises from nerve tissue and is often found in the adrenal glands or along the sympathetic nervous system, making it less common as a renal tumor. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma that can occur in various locations, while retinoblastoma specifically affects the retina, not the kidney. Thus, nephroblastoma stands out as the most prevalent solid renal tumor in the pediatric population.