Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation

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Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation

A congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) is a non-cancerous, cyst-like mass that forms in the lung tissue of a fetus. It usually is in one lung and replaces part of one lobe (section) of the lung but does not function like normal lung tissue. There is no known cause for this rare condition, but it is not passed down from parents. With careful monitoring using ultrasound scans, most babies do well and see normal lung development and function. This condition previously was known as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, or CCAM.

The cyst grows with the fetus and seems large at first, but its growth begins to slow in the second trimester. By the time the baby reaches full term, the CPAM often is very small and almost undetectable before birth, and the outlook for a normal life is excellent. However, in a small number of cases, the CPAM may grow quickly and become life-threatening before birth, compressing the heart and lungs. In such cases, doctors may perform fetal surgery or early delivery. Sometimes the malformation is detected in adults, especially if it is small. It is usually found after the adult reports recurring chest infections.

Why choose UAB Medicine

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists at the UAB Women & Infants Center are available on site 24/7 to manage problems with high-risk pregnancies. Our physicians are experts at managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple births, and premature delivery.

UAB Medicine’s MFM program is among the most advanced in the nation, and we are one of only 14 medical centers that participates in the national Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network for high-risk pregnancy research. Because UAB is a major center for research, patients may have access to new treatments that are not available elsewhere. For mothers who’ve had a preterm birth before, these treatments can reduce their chance of having another preterm birth by one-third to one-half.

UAB provides the most advanced MFM care, including first-trimester diagnosis, genetic testing and counseling, and 4D-ultrasound and fetal imaging. All of our MFM specialists are board-certified, and our team also includes certified genetics specialists.