Acheilia

Acheilia
Specialty	Plastic surgery, Pediatrics
Symptoms	Absence of one or both lips, difficulties in feeding, speech difficulties
Complications	Feeding difficulties, speech development issues, dental problems
Usual onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Causes	Genetic mutations, environmental factors during pregnancy
Risk factors	Family history of facial malformations, exposure to certain teratogens during pregnancy
Diagnostic method	Physical examination, prenatal imaging
Differential diagnosis	Cleft lip, other craniofacial malformations
Treatment	Surgical reconstruction, speech therapy, dental care
Frequency	Very rare

Introduction

Acheilia is a rare congenital condition characterized by the partial or complete absence of one or both lips. It can occur as an isolated condition or as part of a syndrome involving other craniofacial abnormalities. Acheilia affects the individual's ability to perform functions such as sucking, swallowing, and speaking, and it has aesthetic implications that can affect psychological well-being.

Symptoms and Complications

The primary symptom of acheilia is the visible absence of the upper and/or lower lip, which can range from slight to complete absence. This can lead to complications such as:

• Feeding difficulties in infants, affecting nutrition and growth
• Speech development issues due to the inability to form certain sounds
• Increased risk of dental problems, including tooth misalignment and increased risk of decay due to lack of protection and saliva spread

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of acheilia is not well understood but is thought to involve genetic mutations and environmental factors during pregnancy. Risk factors may include:

• A family history of facial malformations
• Exposure to certain medications or teratogens during pregnancy

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acheilia is typically made through physical examination after birth. Prenatal imaging technologies may also identify facial abnormalities suggestive of acheilia or related conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for acheilia primarily involves surgical reconstruction to create or restore lip function and appearance. This may be performed in stages, depending on the extent of the condition and the patient's age. Additional treatments can include:

• Speech therapy to address speech development issues
• Dental care to manage dental problems and promote oral health
• Nutritional support, especially for infants experiencing feeding difficulties

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with acheilia varies depending on the presence of associated conditions and the success of treatment interventions. Surgical and supportive therapies can significantly improve functional outcomes and quality of life.

See Also

• Cleft lip and palate
• Craniofacial abnormalities
• Plastic surgery in children

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Acheilia for any updates.

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