Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

It is defined as un-complete fusion of the palatine bones with nasal and lip bridges due to which there is split in upper lip and the roof of the mouth. It is the birth defect occur during development of fetus.

Symptoms

The condition is notice just after birth; it may appear as:Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate causes symptoms treatment

  • Split in the upper lip and palate which affect both side of face.
  • Split in lip only
  • Split in the roof of mouth which does not affect the physical appearance of face
Causes

The exact cause of this condition is not known yet. It occurred due to the lack of fusion between the two palatine bones and medial nasal prominence together. Usually it occurs during 3 to 4 months of intrauterine life. Maybe it is occurred due to the genetic mutation in the cells.

Complications

It can cause following complications:

  • Dental problems
  • Difficulty in feeding
  • Ear infection
  • Speech difficulties
Diagnosis

It is notice by your doctor just after the birth of your baby, doctor conduct physical examination of oral cavity to check the extend of cleft. During intrauterine life it may be diagnosis by ultrasound or amniocentesis.

Treatment

The major aim of treatment is to prevent the complications and give the better life to the child in future with no cosmetic abnormality.

Treatment option include surgery to repair the cleft lip within first 3-6 months after birth and then cleft palate repair after 12 months of age or earlier. Then other surgeries to repair the cosmetics defect.

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