Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Major anomaly
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Major anomaly: An unusual anatomic feature that is of serious medical or cosmetic consequence to the patient. For example, a major anomaly might be a cleft lip and palate.
By contrast, a minor anomaly is an unusual anatomic feature not of serious medical or cosmetic consequence to the patient. For example, a minor anomaly might be curvature of the second toe so it overlaps the third toe.