A hematoma is a common problem that occurs as a result of damage to one of the larger blood vessels in the body. Most people experience a hematoma at some point in their lives. 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.
Anyone who has sustained an injury in an accident or received a blow to the head should speak to a doctor about the signs of an internal hematoma.
The term hematoma describes an area of blood that collects outside of the larger blood vessels. Hematomas are commonly due to injuries or trauma in the area.
An injury can cause blood vessel walls to break, allowing blood to make its way into the surrounding tissue.
Hematomas may occur in any blood vessel, including veins, arteries, and capillaries. The location of the hematoma may change its nature.
A hematoma is similar to a hemorrhage, but a hemorrhage refers to ongoing bleeding while the blood in a hematoma has typically already clotted.
The type of hematoma depends on where it appears in the body. The location may also help determine how potentially dangerous it is.
- Ear hematoma: An aural or ear hematoma appears between the cartilage of the ear and the skin on top of it. It is a common injury in wrestlers, boxers, and other athletes who regularly sustain blows to the head.
- Subungual hematoma: This hematoma appears under the nail. It is common in minor injuries, such as accidentally hitting a finger with a hammer.
- Scalp hematoma: A scalp hematoma typically appears as a bump on the head. The damage is to the external skin and muscle, so it will not affect the brain.
- Septal hematoma: Usually the result of a broken nose, a septal hematoma may cause nasal problems if a person does not receive treatment.
- Subcutaneous hematoma: This is a hematoma that appears just under the skin, typically in the shallow veins close to the surface of the skin.
- Retroperitoneal hematoma: This hematoma occurs inside the abdominal cavity but not within any organs.
- Splenic hematoma: This type of hematoma appears in the spleen.
- Hepatic hematoma: A hepatic hematoma occurs in the liver.
- Spinal epidural hematoma: This term refers to a hematoma between the lining of the spinal cord and the vertebrae.
- Intracranial epidural hematoma: This type of hematoma occurs between the skull plate and the lining on the outside of the brain.
- Subdural hematoma: A subdural hematoma occurs between the brain tissue and the internal lining of the brain.