Congenital anomaly

A structural difference in the body that is present at birth. It may affect health or function, or have no significant effect.

Embryonic development: The early process by which an embryo forms and develops its tissues and organs. Many structural anomalies arise when organs form during embryonic development.
Malformation: A structural defect arising from an intrinsic error in the formation of a body part. It describes anomalies caused by altered organ formation rather than later damage.
Genetic disorder: A disease or condition caused by changes in genes or chromosomes. Genetic changes can alter the formation of body structures before birth.
Prenatal diagnosis: The identification of fetal conditions before birth using imaging, screening, or diagnostic tests. It can detect some structural anomalies before delivery and guide care planning.
Congenital heart disease: A group of heart and major-vessel structural differences present at birth. Its severity ranges from conditions needing no treatment to defects requiring repeated interventions.
Teratology: The study of abnormal development and the factors that cause it. This field investigates how genetic and environmental factors produce congenital anomalies.
Deformation: An abnormal shape or position of a body part caused by mechanical forces acting on normally formed tissue. It distinguishes pressure-related changes from errors in the body's initial formation.
Chromosomal abnormality: A change in chromosome number or structure that can affect development and health. Some congenital anomalies result from altered chromosome dosage or organization.
Prenatal screening: Testing during pregnancy that estimates the chance of particular fetal conditions without establishing a diagnosis. Screening may indicate elevated risk and prompt diagnostic evaluation for an anomaly.
Cleft lip and palate: A congenital opening in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or both. This visible anomaly can affect feeding, speech, hearing, and facial development.

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