Etymology. The English word “hematoma” came into use in 1826. The word derives from the Greek αἷμα haima “blood” and -ωμα -oma, a suffix forming nouns indicating a mass or tumor.
What are the causes of hematoma?
Most commonly, hematomas are caused by an injury to the wall of a blood vessel, prompting blood to seep out of the blood vessel into the surrounding tissues. A hematoma can result from an injury to any type of blood vessel (artery, vein, or small capillary).
Is a hematoma serious?
Unlike bruises, hematomas can cause serious harm. If they get large enough, they may cause blood pressure to drop. They can even lead to shock, a life threatening condition that happens when organs in the body don’t get enough blood or oxygen .
Is hematoma a medical diagnosis?
A primary care doctor can diagnose a soft tissue hematoma in a physical exam. If you are experiencing more serious symptoms, your doctor may order any of the following diagnostic tests: X-ray — to diagnose bone fractures.
Is a hematoma a tumor?
Soft tissue hematoma is a common clinical condition following trauma. Although it typically regresses over time, a hematoma could enlarge and may be mistaken for a tumor [6,7]. Conversely, soft tissue tumors may be misdiagnosed as hematomas because of their similar clinical and imaging features [8].
Is a hematoma a blood clot?
It happens when an injury causes blood to collect and pool under the skin. The pooling blood gives the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern. It is not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein, and it does not cause blood clots.
What does a hematoma look like?
A hematoma can look like a bruise, but bruises occur due to damage to small blood vessels rather than large ones. While many hematomas are relatively harmless, some can indicate a more serious medical problem.
How long does hematoma last?
Mild hematomas and contusions typically heal within about five days. A large hematoma may last weeks to months and as it heals it will change color and slowly shrink in size. Hematoma pain and swelling may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. Aspirin should not be used as it may increase bleeding.
What happens if a hematoma is left untreated?
If a clot from a hematoma reenters the bloodstream, it can block an artery, cutting off blood flow to part of the body. Without prompt treatment, this can result in permanent tissue damage.
How do you know if you have a hematoma?
A person can see a hematoma when it affects the skin. The symptoms of a hematoma are more severe than those of a bruise. Symptoms may appear immediately after the injury, or they may take several days to show up.
Will a hematoma lump go away?
Most hematomas eventually dissolve, but in some cases they may continue to grow or show no change. If the lump stays or causes pressure on other structures (usually in the legs), then it may need to be surgically removed.
What helps a hematoma heal faster?
Ice Therapy
Put ice on your bruise right after you get injured. That can reduce the size of your bruise, which may allow it to heal faster. The cold temperature from an ice pack makes the blood in that area flow more slowly. It may reduce the amount of blood that leaks out of your vessels.
How do you treat a hematoma lump?
Caring for a hematoma lump at home
Rest (R): Allow the affected part to rest or be immobile for some time until the pain goes away. Ice (I): Apply ice packs every one to two hours for about 15 to 20 minutes. Compression (C): Gently compress the injured area with an elastic bandage to minimize the swelling.
What is the difference between a hematoma and a blood clot?
Blood clots typically occur inside larger blood vessels, such as an artery or a vein. Doctors refer to a blood clot as a thrombus. Damage to blood vessels can cause large amounts of blood to leak into the surrounding tissue, forming so-called hematoma.
Is hematoma curable?
Most hematomas resolve by themselves and need no further treatment, but some may require surgical treatment. Take injuries to the head seriously because of the risk of bleeding causing injuries like epidural, subdural, and intracerebral hemorrhage.
Can a hematoma become malignant?
Hematoma can occur after blunt trauma or surgery, in patients with clotting deficiencies, or spontaneously. In general, hematoma exhibits an acute growth period and resolves spontaneously [2]; however, in some cases, hematoma expands slowly, mimicking a malignant soft tissue tumor.
Are hematomas painful?
Intramuscular hematomas can be very painful due to the amount of swelling and inflammation. Some muscles are surrounded by tough bands of tissue. If enough bleeding occurs, the pressure within these compartments can increase to the point that “compartment syndrome” can occur.
