Hematoma

Overview

Hematoma is a collection of blood or blood clots. They occur due to injury or trauma to the blood vessels leading to extravasation of blood from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. Once the bleeding occurs, the collection of blood happens and the clotting process starts to take place. Hematomas can be formed in any part of the body such as the skin, brain, spine, abdominal organs, eyes, ears, and oral cavity. For example, if it occurs beneath the skin, it appears to be a blackish or dark blue bruise. Bruises and hematomas are not the same. Hematomas can vary in size. Larger hematomas that occur in the brain and internal organs can be dangerous and needs surgical attention. Hematomas can be detected by CT scan and MRI scan together with essential blood investigations such as full blood count, INR, liver function test and clotting factors.