Lung cysts can be seen in babies lungs during fetal life, causing pressure on the lungs and heart. This condition is not a life-threatening risk for both mother and child. So the birth can take place without any problems.
Why Do Lung Cysts Occur in Babies?
In infants, the formation of cysts in the lungs commonly occurs in fetal life. It is associated with developing the respiratory system and airways in the fetal period. Lung cysts are structures in the form of a round sac located in the lung's midline. Among the lung cysts, bronchogenic cysts and bronchopulmonary foregut defects are the most common.
Other malfunctions that may cause cyst formation in the lung are as follows:
- Lobar emphysema,
- Pulmonary sequestration,
- Cystic adenomatoid malformation.
Bronchogenic cysts, which appear before birth and continue to exist after birth, develop in the trachea and the bronchi forming their branches. Such cysts develop from tiny cells and are usually outside the lung.
Symptoms of Lung Cysts in Infants
Lung cysts in babies may present with some complaints. It is possible to list the complaints and symptoms in question as follows:
- If the cysts cause pressure on the airway, breathing problems such as frequent breathing or shortness of breath may occur.
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing,
- Chronic cough or chest pain.
In cases where the disease lasts longer, bloody sputum may occur during coughing. Although it is a more common disease in children, it can also be present in older people.
Although there are no symptoms in some cases, we diagnose the disease using imaging techniques such as chest X-rays.
How Are Lung Cysts Diagnosed in Babies?
The three most common methods to detect lung cysts are chest radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. These imaging methods show lung cysts in a round and oval structure.
It is possible to have more than one lung lesion, but a single lesion is usually present. In most patients, the cyst location is near the bronchi or in the trachea.
Suppose surgery is required for the treatment of the disease. In that case, methods such as biochemistry tests or blood counts can be applied both to prepare for the surgery and to control the patient's health status.
Treatment of Lung Cysts in Infants
Lung cysts that develop in babies are surgically removed to prevent severe complications. Even if the patients are asymptomatic, there is a risk of developing a lung infection close to the cyst.
Therefore, if a lung cyst is present, we should immediately make surgery preparations. If the cyst is not completely removed, there is a risk of recurrence. Therefore, it is essential to altogether remove the cyst. If a cyst is very attached to the airway wall and seems difficult to separate, we may not remove part of the cyst wall.
Some problems may occur after the surgery. The main issues are deflated lungs, air leakage from the airway, infection, or bleeding. Although these are unlikely complications, we should plan the treatment process accordingly.
The recovery and success rate after the operation is relatively high. All children can return to their lives in a short time and do not experience any developmental problems.