Hemifacial hypertrophy
Hemifacial Hypertrophy
Hemifacial hypertrophy (pronunciation: he-mi-fa-cial hy-per-tro-phy) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the overgrowth of one side of the face or head. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hemi' meaning half, 'facial' referring to the face, and 'hypertrophy' meaning excessive growth.
Definition
Hemifacial hypertrophy is a condition where one half of the face is larger than the other due to the overgrowth of fat, muscle, bone, or all three. This can affect the ear, mouth, nose, and eye on one side of the face. The condition can be present at birth or develop later in life.
Types
There are two types of hemifacial hypertrophy: true hemifacial hypertrophy and partial hemifacial hypertrophy. True Hemifacial Hypertrophy involves unilateral enlargement of all tissues, including bone, skin, and soft tissues. Partial Hemifacial Hypertrophy, on the other hand, only involves soft tissues.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hemifacial hypertrophy can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition. They may include facial asymmetry, enlarged tongue (macroglossia), dental abnormalities, and hearing loss.
Causes
The exact cause of hemifacial hypertrophy is unknown. However, it is believed to be due to an abnormality in the growth centers of the face.
Treatment
Treatment for hemifacial hypertrophy is primarily surgical and aims to correct the facial asymmetry. This may involve bone shaving, soft tissue reduction, or a combination of both.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemifacial hypertrophy
- Wikipedia's article - Hemifacial hypertrophy
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