Associated Conditions & Findings
Cleft lip and palate
Cleft lip and palate are openings in the lip or roof of the mouth that can occur with some craniofacial conditions.
In short: Cleft lip and palate
- They can co-occur with some craniofacial encephaloceles or syndromes.
- They affect feeding and speech and are repaired surgically.
- They are part of the craniofacial picture in some children.
- They are managed by a craniofacial team.
What it is
It is an opening or gap in the lip, the roof of the mouth (palate), or both, present at birth. These are among the more common craniofacial differences and are repaired surgically.
Understanding Cleft lip and palate
They can co-occur with some craniofacial encephaloceles or genetic syndromes and are part of the craniofacial picture managed by the team. Because they can affect feeding and speech, they are addressed with surgery and, often, support from feeding specialists and speech-language therapists as part of comprehensive craniofacial care.
Why it matters
Understanding cleft lip and palate helps families see how craniofacial conditions can involve multiple structures, and why a coordinated craniofacial team addresses them together when they co-occur.
Common questions
Can clefts occur with encephalocele?
They can co-occur with some craniofacial encephaloceles or syndromes.
What do they affect?
Feeding and speech, among other things.
Are they treatable?
Yes, with surgery and supportive care.
Bottom line
Cleft lip and palate are openings in the lip or palate that can accompany some craniofacial conditions and are repaired surgically.
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