Direct answer

Cleft lip occurs when the upper lip does not fully join during development and may affect one or both sides.

Labeled anatomy of the lips, teeth, tongue, palate, uvula and palatine tonsil
Labeled anatomy of the lips, teeth, tongue, palate, uvula and palatine tonsil. General illustration for context. Image: OpenStax College via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
01

Key symptoms

  • A cleft palate may also be present
  • Feeding and nasal form may be affected
  • A multidisciplinary cleft team is important
02

Assessment and treatment

  • Newborn assessment and feeding support
  • Planned surgical repair
  • Hearing, dental, speech and growth follow-up

Related ENT services

Cleft lip and palate careConsultation for cleft lip and palate repair, with feeding, hearing, speech and long-term multidisciplinary follow-up planning.→Paediatric ENT careENT assessment of childhood adenoid and tonsil problems, snoring, glue ear, hearing difficulty and speech delay, with surgery when indicated.→
ReferencesCleft lip and palateNHS↗Ear Infections in ChildrenNIH/NIDCD↗Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with EffusionAAO-HNSF↗Making a decision about glue earNHS England↗

For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. Seek emergency care for red-flag symptoms.