What is a swelling or mass of blood, usually clotted, confined to an organ or tissue?

A hematoma is a collection of blood that has leaked out of blood vessels and is often confined to a specific tissue or organ. This condition can occur as a result of injury, trauma, or surgery, leading to the pooling of blood that forms a swelling or mass. The blood typically clots over time, which is integral to the body's healing process. It is important to recognize a hematoma due to the potential complications it might cause, such as pressure on surrounding tissues or blood vessels.

Hernia refers to the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, which does not specifically involve blood accumulation. Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to vision loss, unrelated to blood pooling. A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, usually due to iodine deficiency, which also does not refer to a localized collection of blood. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the specific nature of a hematoma in medical terminology.