Lung lesions or nodules are abnormal growths in a baby’s lungs. There are many different types of lung lesions and nodules in children. Some are solid, while others are filled with fluid. Most are not cancerous (benign). Though rare, lung lesions and nodules in children can include:
- Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM), also known as congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM)
- Congenital lung cysts (CLC)
- Pulmonary sequestrations
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What are the signs and symptoms of a lung lesion or nodule?
- An abnormal growth in the lungs, often detected on a routine ultrasound during pregnancy.
- It is unusual for a baby born with a lung lesion or nodule to have any symptoms at birth. On rare occasions, a newborn with a lung lesion or nodule has difficulty breathing.
What causes lung lesions or nodules?
Experts do not know the cause of lung lesions and nodules that develop before birth.
How are lung lesions and nodules treated?
Treatment for lung lesions and nodules depends on the type, size and exact location of the mass. Your obstetrician may recommend watching the lung lesion or nodule closely through pregnancy to see if it needs treatment.
In some cases, the lung lesion or nodule will stop growing or shrink during pregnancy and will not require surgery.
Most lung lesions or nodules need to be removed with surgery within the first few months after a child’s birth. At Connecticut Children’s, our surgeons use minimally invasive options as often as possible to reduce bleeding and recovery time.