Living with Midline cervical cleft
A rare skin difference present from birth, in the middle of the front of the neck.
Understanding Midline cervical cleft
It appears as a vertical, thin, reddish patch of skin. It may be attached to a fibrous cord under the skin, with a skin tag at the top and a short sinus (a small channel, usually about 1 cm long) at the bottom that may drain fluid. Without surgical removal, scarring can limit how far the neck can stretch. It is sometimes linked with other developmental differences, such as a split lower jaw or cysts in the neck.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a set of most common symptoms for this condition. Its summary describes these features:
- A vertical, reddish skin patch at the front of the neck
- A skin tag at the top of the patch
- A short sinus that may drain fluid
- A fibrous cord under the skin
- Limited neck stretching from scarring if untreated
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with World Craniofacial Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: midline brainstem cleft
Patient organizations
- World Craniofacial FoundationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- Children's Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- FACES: The National Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- myFaceCraniofacial anomalies · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Midline cervical cleft.
Explore research for Midline cervical cleft
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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