How it develops?

When a child is formed in the womb this part of the face develops from three separate parts which join together to give shape to upper lip, palate and the upper jaw. This fusion takes in second or third month of pregnancy. The central segment forms the nose and the central part of the lip the middle part of the gums (alveolus) which contain the four incisors and the front central part of the palate. The other two segments one on each side form rest of the lip and the jaws. Failure of these segments to fuse with each other leads to cleft lip and palate.

What Causes It

The exact cause is not known but certain factors increase the chances of having a cleft. It may be noted the presence of any of these factors is not essential for development of the cleft, in fact majority of clefts develop in absence of these factors.

Presence of cleft in one or both the parents increases the chances occurrence of cleft in the child; the chances are estimated to be around 2 % approximately.

Consumption of alcohol and /or cigarettes during pregnancy is also associated with cleft lip and palate.

Obesity in mothers have been associated by some with the occurrence of cleft lip and palate

Associations

Male children are more likely to develop cleft of lip and female children are more likely to suffer cleft of palate. Reasons for this are not known.

Approximately 2 % of children born with cleft will have associated congenital anomalies. Most commonly other anomalies include those of heart and urinary system. Congenital hernias are also associated with cleft lip and palate.

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Dr. S.C.Sood

M.B.B.S., M.S., MCh. (Plastic Surgery) Senior Consultant Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery. ( Omit gen surgery)

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