Living with Tessier number 5 facial cleft
A rare condition present at birth in which a cleft runs from the upper lip across the cheek toward the eye.
Understanding Tessier number 5 facial cleft
The cleft starts in the upper lip, crosses the cheek as a groove, and ends at the lower eyelid, where it can cause a gap in the eyelid (coloboma). The upper jaw and eye socket bones can also be involved. It may occur along with other facial clefts, a wide mouth (macrostomia), or a missing eye (anophthalmos). It is present from birth and develops during pregnancy.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet, but the summary describes these features:
- Cleft in the upper lip
- Groove across the cheek
- Gap in the lower eyelid (coloboma)
- Cleft in the upper jaw bone
- Wide mouth (macrostomia) in some people
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: infraorbital facial cleft - tessier cleft 5
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 Tessier number 5 facial cleft.
Explore research for Tessier number 5 facial cleft
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