Q36: Cleft lip

Q36.1: Cleft lip, median

The face is another part of the body to develop in the womb before birth. First of all, several parts are created for the lips, the upper jaw and the palate. These individual parts then merge. If this process is disrupted at any point, then one or more clefts may remain in the lips, the upper jaw or the palate.

Clefts in the upper lip occur more frequently than clefts in the lower lip. These clefts in the lip can cause problems when eating and drinking. A cleft in the upper lip can extend to the nostril. This results in the nose being deformed.

Clefts in the upper lip or lower lip can be hereditary. Other family members can also be affected.