Learn about serous tumors of the head of infants

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Minh Tuan - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Serous neoplasms of the head of the neonate are a normal physiological phenomenon. This condition causes swelling or edema of the skin, but it is considered harmless and will gradually resolve on its own. However, if the serum tumor appears in an abnormal state, affecting the health of the child, it is necessary to take the child to the doctor and treat immediately.

A serous tumor is a swelling or edema of an infant's scalp, which appears as a lump or swelling on the head shortly after birth. This condition is harmless and is usually caused by pressure placed on an infant's head during birth. It does not affect the brain or skull. However, it can lead to other problems such as jaundice.

A serous tumor of the head of an infant is usually caused by pressure placed on the baby's head as it passes through the cervical opening and into the vaginal canal. This pressure is created by the vaginal wall and uterine muscle tension. Another possible condition is called a hemangioma. This condition is different from a serous goiter because the fluid that accumulates is usually deeper in the scalp and mainly consists of blood from broken blood vessels. Hemangiomas are caused by pressure from the mother's pelvis on the baby's skull during delivery or the use of birthing devices (such as forceps).
Some risk factors that increase the risk of developing serous tumours in the newborn baby include:
Premature rupture of membranes Low amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus First birth of a baby Braxton-Hicks contractions Timing of transition uterus elongated Fetal position, such as head down Use of birth aids during delivery such as forceps, suction In case of serous tumours formed due to use The birth control device used to bring the fetus out is often called a “chignon”. And this will go away after a few hours to a few days after the baby is born.

The main symptom of serous tumor of the head of an infant is edema under the scalp, which forms a tender, swollen mass. Swelling may be unilateral or extend over the midline of the scalp.
This swelling will disappear gradually over time, does not affect the skull and brain inside the infant.

Usually serous goiter will go away on its own and leave no complications. However, in certain cases it causes common complications for children such as:
Hair loss : Due to the pressure placed on the scalp, some of the surrounding tissue may die and hair loss. In most cases the hair loss can be normal after that, but in other cases the hair loss can be permanent. Jaundice: may be present in some specific cases due to large serous goiter. This is due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood from the breakdown of red blood cells. Thus, putting the newborn at risk of jaundice and yellowing of the eyes.

Serous tumors are usually identified on physical examination without additional testing. If the condition is related to other medical problems, the doctor will order further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Usually, serous goiter will gradually disappear without intervention within a few days after birth. However, when there are additional risk factors or injuries, the time to resolve without intervention is longer than about 2-6 weeks after delivery.

Master. Doctor. Nguyen Minh Tuan has over 27 years of experience in the field of Pediatrics. Doctor was former Deputy Department of Pediatrics - Da Nang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital before working as a Pediatrician at the Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital as it is today.
Reference source: healthline.com

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