HARE LIP & CLEFT PALATE


HARE LIP OR CLEFT LIP is a congenital malformation of the mouth which occurs when the tissues of the upper jaw & nose do not join as expected during fetal development , resulting in a split (cleft) in the lip. Cleft lip usually involves only one sideof the upper lip, it rarely occurs in the lower lip.

PICTURE OF INCOMPLETE CLEFT LIP


The Cleft lip is incomplete when there is a slight notching of the red margin of the lip to the left or right of the mid line.

PICTURE OF COMPLETE CLEFT LIP

A Cleft lip is complete when it runs up to the nostril. The cleft lip is generally familial in nature ie if one of the parent is born with a cleft palate or cleft lip, than children will have an increased risk for being born with one of these. Also a baby may be at higher risk for being born with cleft lip if during pregnancy the mother uses certain medicines, is exposed to radiation or infections, takes illegal drugs, or smokes & drinks alcohol. A cleft lip generally does not interfere with the feeding. However when cleft lip occurs in association with Cleft Palate than feeding becomes difficult.Cleft Palate is failure of fusion in the mid line of the roof of the mouth ie bifurcation of the hard palate & or soft palate.



PICTURE CLEFT IN HARD & SOFT PALATE

Treatment of Cleft lip includes surgery which is done early & depends upon the condition of the baby & the severity of the cleft lip.

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