Fetal lung lesions are extremely rare, challenging conditions; so rare that most physicians may only see a few cases in their careers. The vast majority of cases can be treated successfully with great outcomes, but because of their variability, accurate diagnosis and an experienced team familiar with the different treatment options are critical to providing the best outcomes.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides comprehensive care for both mother and baby diagnosed with fetal lung lesions such as CCAM/CPAM, BPS, hybrid lesions, CHAOS and more. From accurate diagnosis, prenatal management and delivery, to fetal surgery options, postnatal care and long-term follow-up resources, we are equipped to provide you and your baby the best possible care every step of the way.

• Experience. Since 1995, more than 2,962 patients have been referred to CHOP’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment for evaluation of fetal lung lesions. This large patient volume means we are prepared to deal with whatever challenge comes our way as we manage your child’s unique diagnosis and treatment needs. Many institutions have adopted our approach for evaluation and treatment of fetal lung lesions, and we continue to lead the way in improving care for these prenatally diagnosed conditions. This includes the most advanced surgical treatment options available.
• A specialized team. Our multidisciplinary team is extremely familiar with lung lesions and well-prepared to provide the most expert care for your baby before, during and after delivery. Here at CHOP, you and your child will have access to every specialist you may need in one place, including maternal-fetal medicine specialists, high-risk obstetricians, pediatric surgeons, fetal surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, neonatologists, pediatric cardiologists, pulmonologists and advanced practice nurses across all specialties.
• Early and accurate diagnosis to guide a personalized treatment plan. We use the most sophisticated imaging techniques to determine which type of lung lesion your baby has and to follow the course of the lesion throughout gestation and after birth. Our experience means we know what to look for, and how to distinguish between the smallest detail that can mean a different approach to treatment. Our fetal imaging experts developed the measurements for diagnosis and treatment that are used by other clinicians (such as the CCAM volume ratio and ultrafast fetal MRI). Our expert clinicians continue to seek breakthroughs by partnering with industry leaders to develop next generation imaging technologies.

• Expert surgical care. For children with lung lesions who need to have the mass removed immediately or not long after birth, special care is required. Our unique Neonatal Surgical Team is devoted to the care of newborns requiring surgery. The team specializes in performing delicate surgeries on babies immediately after birth, and provides comprehensive multidisciplinary care in the crucial postoperative time period. This team can turn the bedside into an operating room, so newborns requiring delicate surgery do not need to be transported to the OR.

  Another important factor to consider when choosing your child’s surgeon is anesthesia and pain management. We know that children and infants have different needs than adults when it comes to anesthesia. At CHOP, our specially trained board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists have the technical skills needed to care for the smallest patients and special knowledge of the effects and dosages of medications for patients of different ages and sizes. Everything we do is tailored to meet the unique needs of children.

• Support for the whole family. To help you cope with the stressful experience of a lung lesion diagnosis, we offer a variety of counseling and support services. These resources include a dedicated psychologist and psychiatrist, social workers, spiritual care, and child life specialists who can help siblings cope.
• Research to improve treatment options and outcomes. Every day we are seeking to better understand fetal lung anomalies. Our researchers are actively studying all types of lung lesions, both at a clinical level to improve the care of you and your child today; as well as a basic science level (in the laboratory) to better understand what causes the problem so that we can improve treatments and hopefully someday find a cure.

Lung Lesion Experience at CHOP: 1995-2024

• More than 2,962 patients referred to the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment for treatment of lung lesions
• More than 1,894 patients received postnatal surgical care for lung lesions
• 377 babies with lung lesions delivered in our Special Delivery Unity since 2008
• 26 open fetal surgeries performed on lung lesion patients
• 38 EXIT deliveries
• 187 thoracoamniotic shunts

All numbers except deliveries reflect data from 1995-October 2024 at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. EXIT procedures after June 2008 are also counted in deliveries category.