Cleft lip and cleft palate

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are discovered at birth, but they're increasingly being diagnosed by ultrasound before the baby is born.

After birth, genetic testing may help determine the best treatment for your child, especially if the cleft is associated with a genetic condition. Genetic testing also informs parents of their risk of having additional children with cleft lip or cleft palate.

DS00738

April 19, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger