Which statement is true regarding caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma in newborns?

Which statement is true regarding caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma in newborns?

• A. Caput succedaneum crosses suture lines; cephalohematoma does not
• B. Cephalohematoma crosses suture lines; caput does not
• C. Both cross sutures
• D. Neither crosses sutures

Answer: (A)

Caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp that spreads over the entire area and can cross the suture lines because it’s generalized edema of the soft tissues. Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal bleed that is confined to the surface of one cranial bone and does not cross sutures because the periosteum is adherent at the suture joints, keeping the collection localized. Clinically, caput is present at birth and typically resolves within a few days, while cephalohematoma may take weeks to resolve and can be associated with jaundice from red-blood-cell breakdown.

Caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp that spreads over the entire area and can cross the suture lines because it’s generalized edema of the soft tissues. Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal bleed that is confined to the surface of one cranial bone and does not cross sutures because the periosteum is adherent at the suture joints, keeping the collection localized. Clinically, caput is present at birth and typically resolves within a few days, while cephalohematoma may take weeks to resolve and can be associated with jaundice from red-blood-cell breakdown.