Living with Tessier number 6 facial cleft
A rare condition present at birth with a gap in the cheek and upper jaw area, and a notch in the lower eyelid.
Understanding Tessier number 6 facial cleft
The defect opens toward the eye socket and comes with a notch in the lower eyelid (coloboma) and a vertical groove on the cheek. The back of the upper jaw is short, the roof of the mouth is high, and the back of the nasal passage can be blocked (choanal atresia). GARD says it is typically associated with Treacher-Collins syndrome.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet, but the summary describes these features:
- Gap between the upper jaw and cheekbone
- Notch in the lower eyelid (coloboma)
- Vertical groove on the cheek
- Short back part of the upper jaw
- High roof of the mouth
- Blocked back of the nasal passage (choanal atresia)
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. It says the cleft is typically associated with Treacher-Collins syndrome.
Also known as: infraorbital facial cleft - tessier cleft 6; tessier facial cleft number 6
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 6 facial cleft.
Explore research for Tessier number 6 facial cleft
Explore actively recruiting Tessier number 6 facial cleft studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Tessier number 6 facial cleft with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Tessier number 6 facial cleft studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Tessier number 6 facial cleft
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Tessier number 6 facial cleft experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.