Doctors Discovered a Growing Tumor on His Neck Before Birth — More Than 65 Medical Staff Gathered to Help Him Take His First Breath

Before baby Isaac entered the world, his parents, Jennifer and Angel, already knew that his first moments of life could be dangerous.

At 27 weeks of pregnancy, a routine prenatal ultrasound revealed a mass growing on their unborn son’s neck.

Further testing confirmed that Isaac had a teratoma, a type of tumor that can contain different forms of tissue.

The greatest concern was not simply the size of the growth. Doctors feared it could block his airway as soon as he was delivered.

A Frightening Discovery During Pregnancy

Jennifer’s obstetrician first detected the mass during an ultrasound in western Massachusetts.

When another examination showed that it had grown, she was referred to the Maternal Fetal Care Center, affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

An MRI and additional tests confirmed the diagnosis.

Although many teratomas are benign, their location and growth can still make them life-threatening.

In Isaac’s case, the tumor was pressing against the structures he would need to breathe after birth.

Doctors Planned to Help Him Before Cutting the Umbilical Cord

His medical team recommended a specialized delivery known as an EXIT procedure, short for ex-utero intrapartum treatment.

During this procedure, a baby is partially delivered by cesarean section while remaining connected to the placenta through the umbilical cord.

This allows the medical team to establish a secure airway before the baby must breathe independently.

Jennifer and Angel attended weekly appointments as doctors monitored the tumor and prepared for the delivery.

Specialists from fetal surgery, pediatric surgery, otolaryngology, neonatal medicine and other departments worked together on the plan.

More Than 65 Medical Professionals Prepared for His Birth

On December 6, when Jennifer was 35 weeks pregnant, the medical team assembled for Isaac’s delivery.

More than 65 clinicians and support staff occupied two operating rooms, ensuring that both mother and baby had dedicated teams.

Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz led the delivery while other specialists worked to establish Isaac’s airway.

The team successfully secured his breathing passage and completed the delivery in almost half the time originally anticipated.

For his parents, it was a major moment of relief after weeks of uncertainty.

The Tumor Was Removed Two Days Later

Isaac’s medical journey was not over once he was born.

Two days after delivery, surgeons Dr. Terry Buchmiller and Dr. Reza Rahbar removed the teratoma from his neck.

He then continued recovering in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Jennifer and Angel had prepared themselves for a potentially lengthy hospital stay, but Isaac progressed more quickly than expected.

After two weeks, he was eating and breathing independently and was well enough to return home.

Eight Months Later, a Happy Baby at Home

When Boston Children’s Hospital published his story in August 2024, Isaac was eight months old and doing well.

He continued attending medical appointments so specialists could monitor for any signs of tumor regrowth and assess the development of his throat and vocal cords.

His parents described him as a happy and lively little boy.

For Jennifer and Angel, the extraordinary planning surrounding his birth had given their son the opportunity to begin life safely.

Isaac’s story demonstrates how coordinated fetal and neonatal care can help families facing serious medical complications before their baby is even born.

Source: Boston Children’s Hospital, August 6, 2024 — Beyond Expectations: Treating Isaac’s Teratoma Through an EXIT Procedure.