Cleft Lip, Palate

A cleft lip and palate is a congenital condition characterized by a separation or opening in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate). It occurs during fetal development when the tissues that form the lip and palate fail to fuse properly. This condition can vary in severity, with some individuals having a small notch in the lip or a small opening in the palate, while others may have a more extensive cleft that extends into the nasal cavity.

Cleft lip and palate can occur as isolated conditions or may be part of a larger syndrome with other congenital anomalies. The exact cause of cleft lip and palate is not always known, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

• Cleft Lip: A cleft lip is characterized by a split or opening in the upper lip, which may extend upward into the nose. It can occur on one side of the lip (unilateral cleft lip) or both sides (bilateral cleft lip).
• Cleft Palate: A cleft palate is characterized by an opening or gap in the roof of the mouth, which may extend from the front of the mouth (hard palate) to the back of the mouth (soft palate). Like cleft lip, it can occur on one side (unilateral cleft palate) or both sides (bilateral cleft palate).
• Impact on Function: Cleft lip and palate can affect feeding, speech, dental development, and facial appearance. Individuals with this condition may experience difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, as well as speech development due to airflow between the mouth and nose.
• Treatment: Treatment for cleft lip and palate typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, speech therapy, dental care, and psychosocial support. Surgical repair of the cleft lip and palate is usually performed in early infancy to improve facial appearance and function. Additional surgeries may be necessary as the child grows to address dental alignment, speech, and other issues.