Symptoms & Signs
A child may have one or more of these conditions at birth.
A cleft lip may be just a small notch in the lip. It may also be a complete split in the lip that goes all the way to the base of the nose.
A cleft palate can be on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth. It may go the full length of the palate.
Other symptoms include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Change in nose shape (amount of distortion varies)
Problems that may be present because of a cleft lip or palate are:
- Failure to gain weight
- Feeding problems
- Flow of milk through nasal passages during feeding
- Misaligned teeth
- Poor growth
- Recurrent ear infections
- Speech difficulties
Diagnosis & Tests
A physical examination of the mouth, nose, and palate confirms a cleft lip or cleft palate. Medical tests may be done to rule out other possible health conditions.
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Cleft lip and palate : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cleft lip and palate : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cleft lip and palate : Treatment
Review Date : 5/12/2009
Reviewed By : Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
