cleft lip

Cleft lip and cleft palate

Cleft lip (orofacial cleft) is a medical condition where the upper lip has an opening from the perimeter of the mouth, that may extend into the nose. The opening may be on one side, both sides, or in the middle. Cleft palate is an associated condition where the palate (the roof of the mouth) has an opening into the nose. The term orofacial cleft refers to either condition or to both occurring together. These conditions can result in feeding problems, speech problems, hearing problems, and frequent ear infections. The condition may be associated with other disorders. Cleft lip and palate are the result of tissues of the face not joining properly during development. As such, they are a type of birth defect. The cause is unknown in most cases. Risk factors include smoking during pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, an older mother, and certain medications (such as some used to treat seizures). Cleft lip and cleft palate can often be diagnosed during pregnancy with an ultrasound exam. A cleft lip or palate can be successfully treated with surgery. This is often done in the first few months of life for cleft lip and before eighteen months for cleft palate. Speech therapy and dental care may also be needed. With appropriate treatment, outcomes are good. Cleft lip and palate occurs in about 1 to 2 per 1000 births in the developed world. Cleft lip is about twice as common in males as females, while cleft palate without cleft lip is more common in females. In 2017, it resulted in about 3,800 deaths globally, down from 14,600 deaths in 1990. Cleft lips are commonly known as hare-lips bec...