A Hematoma is a collection of blood that accumulates in an organ, tissue or body space triggered by a broken blood vessel. Typically, you may develop hematoma due to an injury or bruise to your blood vessels. You feel a mass or lump under your skin, which is a sign you may have a hematoma. In addition, you may experience swelling, pain, and bruising.
Not obtaining treatment for a hematoma may result in serious complications. Over time, the hematoma may increase in size, block an artery, and prevent blood from flowing throughout the body.
If you recently have suffered an injury or have had trauma to your body, seek medical assistance for treatment to prevent complications.
Hematoma diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider and imaging tests to confirm the presence and location of the hematoma.
A healthcare provider typically asks about the patient’s medical history and symptoms during a physical examination and performs a visual and manual examination of the affected area. They may also assess the patient’s neurological function, as hematomas in certain body areas (such as the brain) can cause neurological symptoms.
Hematomas, including the brain, muscles, liver, and other organs, can occur throughout the body. Knowing the location and severity of the hematoma can help healthcare providers determine the appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.
Also, hematomas can be caused by various factors, such as trauma, bleeding disorders, or medication use. Identifying the underlying cause of the hematoma can help healthcare providers develop a treatment plan and prevent future hematomas from occurring.
This medical condition can sometimes continue to grow or cause additional damage to surrounding tissues. Monitoring the size and progression of the hematoma can help healthcare providers adjust the treatment plan and prevent further complications.
Here are some common tests and diagnostic methods used for hematoma.
Imaging tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the hematoma. The most common imaging tests used for hematoma diagnosis include:
Some hematoma symptoms, such as headaches or muscle pain, can also be caused by other medical conditions. Diagnosing a hematoma can help rule out other potential causes of these symptoms and ensure that the patient receives the appropriate treatment.
Once the hematoma has been diagnosed, the healthcare provider may also order additional tests to determine the underlying cause of the hematoma and to monitor its progression. These may include:
Blood tests can be used to check for bleeding disorders, clotting factors, or other abnormalities contributing to the hematoma.
In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to determine the cause of the hematoma. For this procedure, a doctor will remove a small piece of tissue from the part of the body that is affected and examine it.
A physical examination may be done to look for signs of trauma or injury that may have caused the hematoma.
A healthcare provider may ask about the patient’s medical history to look for any underlying conditions contributing to the hematoma.
Remember that the type of tests ordered will depend on the location of the hematoma and the suspected cause. For example, if a bleeding disorder causes the hematoma, treatment may involve medication to prevent blood clots. But, if the hematoma is caused by trauma, treatment may involve rest and pain management. In some cases, the hematoma may require surgical drainage or removal.