Fetal Neck Masses

A fetal neck mass is a large lump that develops in the neck of a baby in the womb. The mass can grow large enough to block the child’s airway or esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).

Fetal neck masses are rare. The two most common types are lymphangiomas (or lymphatic malformations) and teratomas. Once known as cystic hygromas, lymphangiomas are clumps of blood vessels, veins, and lymphatic vessels. They are formed by the abnormal growth of lymphatic tissue, which is part of the body’s immune system. Lymphangiomas usually are not cancerous, but they can be hard to treat.

Teratomas, or cervical teratomas, are tumors that are made up of different types of cells. They are not cancerous in most cases, but small areas of cancer can sometimes be found in fetuses with teratomas.

If a fetal neck mass blocks the esophagus, it can prevent the baby from swallowing. This can cause an increased intake of amniotic fluid (the protective liquid in the womb) and a greater chance of premature delivery. If it blocks the airway and restricts breathing after birth, it can increase the baby’s risk of brain damage.

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.

Care Providers

Sheri Jenkins, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Akila Subramaniam, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine Alan Tita, MD, PhD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Luisa Wetta, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Videos

Resources

• National Institutes of Health

Related Specialties

• Pregnancy