Which statement about cephalohematoma is true?

Which statement about cephalohematoma is true?

• A. It crosses suture lines.
• B. It does not cross suture lines.
• C. It is associated with molding.
• D. It resolves within 24 hours.

Answer: (B)

Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal bleed that forms beneath the periosteum during birth. Because the periosteum is tightly attached to the skull bones at the sutures, any blood collection is confined by those suture lines and cannot cross them. That’s why cephalohematoma stays within a single bone and does not cross sutures. In contrast, caput succedaneum is scalp edema that can extend across the scalp and cross sutures. Also, cephalohematoma does not resolve within 24 hours; it typically reabsorbs over weeks to months.

Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal bleed that forms beneath the periosteum during birth. Because the periosteum is tightly attached to the skull bones at the sutures, any blood collection is confined by those suture lines and cannot cross them. That’s why cephalohematoma stays within a single bone and does not cross sutures. In contrast, caput succedaneum is scalp edema that can extend across the scalp and cross sutures. Also, cephalohematoma does not resolve within 24 hours; it typically reabsorbs over weeks to months.