Which of the following statements about cephalohematoma is correct?

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Cephalohematoma is a condition characterized by the accumulation of blood between the skull and the periosteum, typically resulting from trauma during delivery. The defining feature of a cephalohematoma is that it does not cross suture lines, which are the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull. This is because the blood is confined to the specific area of the skull where the periosteum is attached, separating it from the surrounding soft tissue.

The fact that cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines helps distinguish it from other conditions like caput succedaneum, which is a diffuse swelling of the head that can span over multiple suture lines due to interstitial edema. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for clinical assessment and management in newborn care, as it helps in determining the origin of the swelling and the appropriate follow-up for the infant.

Thus, the statement that cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines is the correct understanding of this condition.

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