Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformations

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM), also known as congenital airway malformation (CPAM), is a benign lesion, mass or cyst in the fetal lung. The mass often becomes smaller later in gestation, but in a small number of cases, the mass can grow, causing the fetus to develop hydrops, or a buildup of excessive fluid. The maternal fetal medicine specialists at University Hospitals have expertise in diagnosing and managing CCAM in order to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.

CCAM Diagnosis and Treatment

CCAM is usually diagnosed through a regular prenatal ultrasound. Our team use CCAM volume ratio to determine the risk of fetal hydrops. This ratio is the mass volume divided by head circumference.

If the risk of hydrops is determined to be small, the pregnancy can usually continue as normal with close monitoring. However, if there is an increased risk of hydrops or if the mass grows, it could put the fetus’s life in danger. In these cases, in utero management may be necessary. Individualized treatment plans can include steroids, shunt placement or delivery.

After a baby with CCAM is delivered, UH pediatric specialists will continue to follow them over the following weeks and months to monitor their progress. Although CCAM is benign, experts recommend that the infant undergo surgery within the first year of life to remove the mass because there is a risk of it becoming cancerous.