What does hematoma refer to in medical terms?

Hematoma refers to a mass of blood that has accumulated outside of blood vessels and is trapped within the surrounding tissues. This typically occurs due to injury or trauma, where blood leaks from damaged vessels and collects, leading to swelling and discoloration in the affected area.

This accumulation can cause pain and may result in a visible bruise, as the blood gets trapped between layers of skin and connective tissue. Understanding hematoma is essential in medical contexts, especially concerning injury assessment and treatment, as it helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about managing bruising and any associated complications.

In contrast, tissue swelling generally describes fluid accumulation in tissues, a mass of trapped air indicates an air-filled space, and an increase in blood pressure is unrelated to blood accumulation in tissues.