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Cleft lip and palate are congenital malformations resulting from incomplete fusion of facial structures during embryonic development, typically occurring between the 4th and 12th weeks of gestation. These conditions can occur independently or together, with cleft lip affecting the upper lip and cleft palate involving the roof of the mouth.
The defects arise from failure of the maxillary and medial nasal processes to properly fuse during facial development, creating gaps in the lip, alveolar ridge, and/or palate. Genetic factors, environmental influences, and maternal factors such as smoking, alcohol use, or certain medications can disrupt normal palatogenesis and facial fusion processes.
Diagnosis involves prenatal ultrasound screening and postnatal physical examination, with severity ranging from incomplete cleft lip to complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. Management requires multidisciplinary care including surgical repair, speech therapy, orthodontics, and hearing assessments, as patients may experience feeding difficulties, speech impairments, dental problems, and increased risk of ear infections.