Patient's question:
A newborn has a soft lump on the right temple, is it a birth tumor that requires a cesarean section? What kind of help is needed: will it naturally subside, and if so, how long will it take to disappear?Doctor's answer:
Edema of the newborn scalp, also known as, is a condition caused by repeated compression of the scalp circulation during labor, changes in vascular permeability, and obstruction of lymphatic drainage, leading to subcutaneous edema. It commonly occurs in the vertex presentation area.Recommendations:
It can be detected immediately after birth. The mass has unclear boundaries, is not affected by the sutures, and presents with swollen, soft, and compressible scalp. There is no rebound tenderness. The edema typically resolves within 2-3 days.
Sometimes, it coexists with a hematoma, and the hematoma may only become apparent after the scalp edema subsides.