Craniofacial anomalies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and keywords: facial anomalies, CFA
Overview
Craniofacial anomalies are a group of deformities of the head and face that are present at birth.
Classification
- Cleft lip and palate a separation in the lip and the palate
- Craniosynostosis - premature closure of the soft spots in an infant’s skull
- Hemifacial microsomia - a condition in which the tissues on one side of the face are underdeveloped
- Vascular malformation - an abnormal growth composed of blood vessels
- Hemangioma - a benign tumor that causes a red birthmark
- Deformational (or positional) plagiocephaly - a misshapen (asymmetrical) shape of the head (cranium) from repeated pressure to the same area of the head. Plagiocephaly literally means "oblique head" (from the Greek "plagio" for oblique and "cephale" for head).
Causes
- Congenital
- Folate deficiency
Epdidemiology and Demographics
In the United States, craniosynostosis occurs in about 1 in every 2000 births.
Sex
The disorder is more common in boys than in girls.