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Hematoma Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hematoma

[ˌhiː.məˈtoʊ.mə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A localized swelling filled with blood resulting from a break in a blood vessel.

Synonyms

bruise, contusion, swelling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hematoma

Utilize 'hematoma' in medical or formal contexts to describe a significant amount of blood that collects under the skin or in a body tissue, causing swelling and a raised appearance.

  • The doctor detected a large hematoma in the patient's leg after the accident.
  • A hematoma can sometimes require surgical intervention to drain the collected blood.
bruise

Use 'bruise' in everyday language to describe a minor injury where the skin turns color but there is no significant swelling or raised area.

  • She had a small bruise on her arm from bumping into the door.
  • The child came home with a couple of bruises after playing soccer.
contusion

Apply 'contusion' in more formal or medical contexts to describe internal injuries to the tissues or organs without breaking the skin, often accompanied by pain and discoloration.

  • The MRI scan revealed a contusion on his liver, caused by the fall.
  • Athletes are at risk of muscle contusions during intense physical activities.
swelling

Use 'swelling' to describe the condition where part of the body becomes enlarged due to inflammation, infection, or injury.

  • The bee sting caused a swelling on her hand.
  • After twisting his ankle, he experienced significant swelling around the injured area.

Examples of usage

  • She developed a hematoma after hitting her head on the corner of the table.
  • The doctor drained the hematoma to relieve pressure on the surrounding tissues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Understanding

  • Commonly, these swellings occur after injuries, like bumps and falls.
  • Doctors often treat this condition with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, known as the RICE method.
  • In some cases, a doctor may need to drain the hematoma if it's large or painful.

Types of Hematomas

  • There are several types, including subdural (brain), epidural (skull), and superficial (under the skin).
  • Each type can have different causes, risk factors, and treatment approaches depending on its location.
  • Subdural hematomas are especially serious as they can occur from head injuries and require immediate medical attention.

Historical Perspectives

  • The understanding of these blood swellings has evolved through centuries, with ancient physicians recognizing them in battlefield injuries.
  • Historically, some cultures used bloodletting techniques to treat various conditions, reflecting their limited understanding of the body's functioning.
  • The advancements in imaging technology have greatly improved how doctors diagnose and treat hematomas, enhancing patient outcomes.

Cultural References

  • In sports, hematomas are common injuries, often depicted in movies to show the toughness of athletes.
  • Some traditional healing practices incorporate herbal remedies to manage pain and swelling associated with these injuries.
  • In literature, characters may sustain hematomas in action scenes, adding to the drama and highlighting the physical challenges they face.

Origin of 'hematoma'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'haima', meaning blood, and 'oma', meaning swelling or tumor.
  • It has been used in the medical field since the late 19th century when terminology around injuries was being refined.
  • Many medical terms follow similar patterns, using Greek and Latin roots to describe conditions and symptoms.

The word 'hematoma' comes from the Greek words 'haima' meaning blood and 'toma' meaning swelling. It has been used in medical terminology since the early 19th century to describe a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically due to trauma or injury.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,585, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.