Understanding the Classification And Genetic Basis Of Cleft Lip And Palate

INTRO: When you meet someone for the first time, you often first notice their lips and other facial features. It’s the same when you look at yourself in the mirror. You do everything you possibly can to take care of them. And why shouldn’t you? You perform several tasks with them, like eating, drinking, speaking, et al. Lips add beauty to your personality and help you lead a normal life. However, deformed lips, as in the case of babies born with a cleft lip and palate, can add challenges to a person’s life.

WHAT IS A CLEFT LIP AND PALATE?

A person suffers from a cleft lip and palate when there is a gap in his upper lip and gums. A cleft lip and palate are birth defects reported in newborn babies. If a baby is born with an upper lip and gums that are not fully joined together, he or she is said to be born with a cleft upper lip and palate. However, let us explore the cleft lip definition to better understand the deformity better, the challenges that it brings, and its treatment.

Cleft Lip Definition: One of the simplest cleft lip definitions is the failure of the upper lip and palate to form or join together properly during pregnancy, resulting in a gap in a baby’s upper lip and upper palate.

Causes Of Cleft Lip And Plate: While the real cause of this deformity is not known, cleft lip and palate is often attributed to genetic abnormalities, among a host of other reasons, including the side effects of various medications that an expectant mother could be taking during her confinement.

Classification Of Cleft Lip And Palate: Cleft lip types may vary from one baby to another depending on their genetics and the reasons behind the deformity. According to the Veau classification, the abnormalities of the cleft lip and palate can be classified into four groups, as mentioned below:

GROUP I (soft palate abnormalities)

GROUP II (involves both hard and soft palate malformations)

GROUP III (deformities of the soft palate to the alveolus) Often, the lip is also affected.

GROUP IV (complete bilateral clefts)

IS CLEFT LIP GENETIC?

from the side of the teeth, gradually proceeding towards the throat. Improper fusion of the tissue that makes the palate during pregnancy results in a cleft palate.

The development of palate in a foetus occurs between the sixth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy. There are three stages to the development of palate. These include:

1. Intermaxillary segment
2. Primary palate
3. Secondary palate

CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE SYMPTOMS:

1. Difficulty feeding
2. Chronic ear infections
3. Challenges in swallowing
4. Speech-related issues

FAQ:

WHAT CAUSES CLEFT LIP?

Genetics, besides the failure of the tissue that forms the palate and the lip.

AT WHAT AGE DO YOU GET CLEFT LIP?

At birth, babies are born with a cleft lip and palate.

DO FEMALES GET CLEFT LIP?

Yes, but males are twice as likely to suffer from a cleft lip and palate at birth.