You may not realize it, but you could know someone with cleft lip or cleft palate — conditions that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. That’s because while these diagnoses can be an unwelcome surprise for families, they are very treatable.

In this episode, our host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses cleft lip and cleft palate with Dr. Carolyn Rogers-Vizena, an attending physician in Boston Children's Cleft and Craniofacial Center and the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery.

Together, they share information and recommendations for families, answering questions like:

• What are cleft lip and cleft palate, and what is the difference between them?

• How and when are cleft lip and cleft palate diagnosed?

• What causes cleft lip and cleft palate?

• What are some misconceptions related to cleft lip and palate?

• What are the treatment plans for cleft lip and cleft palate?

• Who is part of the care team for cleft lip and cleft palate?

• How is simulation involved in surgical training for cleft lip and palate?

• What are some possible complications if a child is not treated?

• What research is currently being conducted in this area?

It may sound like a daunting diagnosis, but both cleft lip and cleft palate can be repaired and cared for over time.