Cleft lip and palate

Abstract

The term ‘oral cleft’ describes a spectrum of oro-facial developmental malformations in which there is an abnormal anatomical opening or division of the lip, palate or both. There are three main types: cleft lip (CL) alone, cleft lip with cleft palate (CL/CP), and cleft palate (CP) alone. They represent the most common facial anomaly worldwide. This article describes the embryological theory, aetiology, diagnosis and management of oral clefting, focusing on the functional impact of the condition, how patients may present, and clinical findings which may raise suspicion in primary care.