## Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
### Introduction
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when the tissues of the **lip** and **palate** do not properly join together during pregnancy. Cleft lip refers to a gap in the **lip**, while cleft palate refers to a gap in the **palate**, the roof of the **oral cavity**.
### Symptoms
**Cleft lip** may range from a small notch to a complete split that extends to the nose. Cleft palate can be isolated, affecting only the palate, or it can occur in conjunction with cleft lip. Symptoms of cleft palate include:
– Difficulty feeding
– Speech difficulties
– Nasal regurgitation
– Dental problems
Additionally, both cleft lip and cleft palate can lead to:
– Facial asymmetry
– Hearing loss
### Diagnosis
Cleft lip and cleft palate are typically diagnosed at birth based on physical examination. Further tests to confirm the diagnosis or assess the extent of the condition may include:
– Physical examination
– X-rays
– MRI scan
– Ultrasound
### Prevention
The cause of cleft lip and cleft palate is often unknown, but certain factors, such as teratogens and genetics, can increase the risk.
**Preventive measures:**
– Get vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
– Avoid smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy
– Take recommended prenatal vitamins
### Doctors Involved in Care
Cleft lip and cleft palate diagnosis and treatment typically involve multiple medical professionals, including:
– **Plastic surgeons**
– **Oral and maxillofacial surgeons**
– **Otolaryngologists**
– **Pediatricians**
– **Speech therapists**
### Treatment
**Cleft lip repair:** Surgery is performed within the first few months of life to close the gap in the **lip**.
**Cleft palate repair:** Surgery to repair the **palate** is typically performed between 6 and 18 months of age.
**Palatoplasty:** This surgery reshapes and repositions the **palate**.
**Velopharyngoplasty:** This surgery is done to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a condition that causes nasal regurgitation and speech difficulties.
### Complications
Complications of cleft lip and cleft palate surgery may include:
– Infection
– Bleeding
– Breathing problems
– Scarring
– Difficulty eating or drinking
– Speech difficulties
### Outcomes
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the majority of individuals with cleft lip and cleft palate can achieve normal function and appearance.
**Important Points:**
* Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects affecting the **lip** and **palate**.
* Symptoms can include difficulty feeding, speech difficulties, and facial asymmetry.
* Diagnosis is made at birth, with imaging tests used to confirm.
* Treatment involves multiple surgeries performed at various stages of infancy.
*Complications are possible but typically manageable.
* Early intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes.
