Cephalohematoma is defined as bleeding that what with respect to suture lines?

• A. Does not cross suture lines
• B. Crosses suture lines
• C. Involves the brain
• D. Occurs in utero

Answer: (B)

Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal bleed that stays beneath the skull bone and does not cross suture lines. Because the periosteum is tightly bound at the sutures, the blood collection remains confined to the edge of the affected bone and cannot spread into adjacent areas. This distinguishes it from scalp swelling that crosses sutures, which involves soft tissues rather than the periosteal plane. Cephalohematoma typically resolves over weeks and can be associated with mild jaundice as the extravasated blood is resorbed.