Submucous cleft palate: from diagnosis to management

The aim of this study was to investigate submucous cleft palate (SMCP) patients in order to document the age of diagnosis, cause of referral, symptoms and palate findings, objective evaluation of nasalance and velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), and intervention type.

The archive of Hacettepe University Cleft Lip and Palate, Craniomaxillofacial Anomalies Research, Treatment, and Application Center was reviewed retrospectively, and 166 patients diagnosed with SMCP were documented.

The mean age of the patients at the time of initial referral was 10 years and 3 months ± 8 years and 5 months with the youngest being 1 month and the oldest 44 years old. The primary complaint of 127 (76.5%) patients was speech disorder. Seventy-nine patients underwent surgery, and the mean age was determined as 10 years ± 6 years and 8 months.

The diagnosis of SMCP continues to be rather late, being delayed until a prominent speech disorder is present. Studies for the awareness of health professionals are of great importance for the early diagnosis and intervention of SMCP in order to prevent adverse effects.