Can you see if a baby has cervical ribs during prenatal ultrasound?
Patient: I m hoping someone can help me out. I m pregnant and have bilateral cervical ribs. I have read about the increased risk in childhood cancers in children who have cervical ribs. So i have two questions. 1 the cancers that are increased, are they something that cord blood/stem cells would help? 2 Can you see if a baby has cervical ribs during a prenatal ultrasound? Doctor: HiDr. Purushottam welcomes you to HCM virtual clinic!Thanks for consulting at my virtual clinic. I have carefully gone through your query, and I think I have understood your concern. I will try to address your medical concerns and would suggest you the best of the available treatment options.first of all do not panic.About cancers and stem cells- use of stem sells in the therapy of various diseases is being vastly resaerched.It is claimed to be useful against the treatment of certain diseases, some types of white blood cell cancers. So my suggestion is to talk with your local stem cell bank about cost effectiveness and then decide to ahead with the same.As far USG of baby is considered, cervical rib is as such very small and will be very difficult to detect on USG.Even in adults it becomes difficult to detect on X ray chest.I hope my answer helps you.Thanks.Wish you great health.Dr Purushottam S Neurgaonkar