In normal development of the fetus, separate tissues fuse together to form the palate, upper lip, and upper jaw. If the tissues fail to fuse, a cleft palate results. Often, a cleft palate is accompanied by a similar division in the upper lip, called a harelip. These defects affect females more often than males and sometimes run in families. Most cases of cleft palate can be repaired by a series of operations.
Plastic surgery is necessary to repair a harelip.
If proper treatment is not started at a reasonably early age, the child may develop speech difficulties. Speech therapy may be necessary in any case for a person with a cleft palate.