What is a hematoma?

A hematoma is defined as a collection of blood that has leaked into body tissues, usually due to some form of injury, such as trauma or a surgical procedure. When blood vessels are damaged, blood can escape from these vessels and accumulate in the surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling, discoloration, and pain in the affected area. This condition can occur anywhere in the body and is characterized by its appearance, which can range from a bruise-like discoloration to larger bulging masses depending on the amount of blood that has escaped and the location of the injury.

The understanding of a hematoma is important in medical and aesthetic practices, as recognizing this condition can influence treatment approaches and determine whether further medical intervention is necessary. The other options pertain to different medical conditions that do not fit the definition or characteristics of a hematoma: skin cancer involves abnormal growth of skin cells, a skin rash pertains to inflammation or irritation of the skin, and anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which does not involve localized blood collection in tissues.