In this article, Ability Central will address the symptoms and early signs of cleft lip and palate, including:
When are the symptoms of a cleft lip first noticed?
When are the symptoms of a cleft palate first noticed?
What is Van Der Woude Syndrome?
What happens if a cleft lip or cleft palate is left untreated?
Where can I find a doctor specializing in cleft lip and palate treatment?
What should I expect from the initial doctor appointment when diagnosing and setting a treatment plan for cleft lip and cleft palate?
When are the symptoms of a cleft lip first noticed?
A cleft lip is often diagnosed while in the womb. There is no separate cleft lip ultrasound, but the mother’s routine ultrasound can reveal a cleft lip. While a cleft lip is often well-defined by the 20-week ultrasound, it may be caught as early as 12 weeks.
Some babies who are born with a cleft lip only have a small notch in the upper lip. Others have a large hole that goes through the lip into the nose.
To learn the types of cleft lip, see Seven Quick Facts You Should Know.
When are the symptoms of a cleft palate first noticed?
If a baby has a cleft palate without a cleft lip, it is called an isolated cleft palate. Only 7% of babies born with an isolated cleft palate are diagnosed on a prenatal ultrasound because the condition is difficult to detect.
If the cleft palate was not seen on the prenatal ultrasound, it is usually discovered during the newborn oral exam.
A submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is often missed in both the prenatal ultrasound and the newborn oral exam because the hole is not visible. Symptoms of SMCP include:
Difficulty feeding
Chronic ear infection
Speech sound errors
Speech problems as the child gets older
To learn about all the different types of cleft palates, see Seven Quick Facts You Should Know.
What is Van der Woude Syndrome?
Van der Woude syndrome causes a child to have sunken or raised pits in their lower lip. Van der Woude is a rare and inherited condition. Symptoms of Van der Woude syndrome include:
Cleft lip
Cleft palate
Lip pits or bumps on the lower lip
Wet-looking lower lip
Missing teeth or missing teeth enamel
What happens if a cleft lip or cleft palate is left untreated?
Beyond the visual cosmetic concerns, cleft lip and cleft palate may cause the following problems:
Feeding issues
Problems speaking clearly
Ear infections
Hearing problems
Dental issues
People with clefts may exhibit the following speech problems.
If the soft palate is affected, the child’s voice may sound nasally as air escapes through the nose.
The child may have difficulty making some consonant sounds like “s”, “z”, “sh”.
Dental issues associated with cleft palate may also make it difficult for the person to make “f” and “v” sounds.
Where can I find a doctor specializing in cleft lip and palate treatment?
Ability Central offers a searchable database of non-profits that specialize in connecting people with specialists who can treat cleft palates and cleft lips.
What should I expect from the initial doctor appointment when diagnosing and setting a treatment plan for cleft lip and cleft palate?
The family should anticipate meeting each care team member at the initial doctor's appointment. Each specialist will discuss their role and what to expect from treatment.
The American Cleft Palate Association (ACPA) recommends a large team of specialists to accurately repair and care for a person with a cleft lip or cleft palate. That team should include:
A coordinator who facilitates care and assists patients and families with each step of the treatment process.
An orthodontist who straightens the teeth and aligns the jaws.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) assesses speech and feeding throughout treatment.
Surgeons may include plastic surgeons, oral surgeons, craniofacial surgeons, or neurosurgeons.
They also recommend the following specialists be available if needed:
An audiologist to assess hearing.
A geneticist if the family wants to understand the potential genetic component.
A nurse and pediatrician to monitor the child’s health.
An otolaryngologist who is often called an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.
A pediatric dentist or other dental specialist.
Mental health professional for family members.
It is important to note that treatment for cleft lip and palate has short- and long-term aspects.
To learn more about facts on cleft lip and palate, see Seven Quick Facts You Should Know
To learn more about the short-term treatment of cleft lip and palate, see First Steps After Diagnosis.
To learn about the long-term treatment plan, see Planning for Long-term Care.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
