Abnormal lung tissue, in the form of multiple bubbles (cysts), is frequently found prior to birth by a routine prenatal ultrasound. These are called congenital lung cysts. They are also known as a congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM).
Overview
What are congenital lung cysts?
Very large lesions can be symptomatic and require drainage before birth or emergency removal immediately after delivery. However, most are asymptomatic and require no surgery in the neonatal period. Occasionally, after several months of observation, a cyst may completely disappear.
Typically, cystic malformations that persist may become infected, grow or increase the likelihood of a child developing lung tumors later in life. For these reasons, cystic malformations that don’t go away require surgery for removal.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of congenital lung cysts?
Fever, coughing (including coughing up blood), shortness of breath and wheezing can all be identified as signs or symptoms of lung cysts.
Treatment
How are congenital lung cysts treated?
Due to concerns for developing significant problems associated with congenital lung cysts, the definitive treatment is removing the cyst through surgery.
Doctors and Providers
- Adam Craig AlderPediatric Surgeon
- Nathalie BrewerPediatric Surgeon
- Natasha Marie CorbittPediatric Surgeon
- Diana Leigh DiesenPediatric Surgeon
- Barbara Anne GainesPediatric Surgeon
- Lauren Ann GilloryPediatric Surgeon
- Russell HawkinsPediatric Surgeon
- Charles Robert HongPediatric Surgeon
- Stephen Mark MegisonPediatric Surgeon
- Carrie Colleen Buchanan MoorePediatric Surgeon
- Joseph Thomas MurphyPediatric Surgeon
- Samir R PandyaPediatric Surgeon
- Laura Nanka PurcellPediatric Surgeon
- Faisal Ghulam QureshiPediatric Surgeon