Hematoma is best described as what type of swelling?

• A. A blood clot.
• B. An area of swelling due to pus.
• C. An abnormal accumulation of lymph.
• D. A tumor-like mass/swelling made up of blood.

Answer: (D)

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood that has escaped from vessels and pooled in surrounding tissue, forming a swollen lump. Because this pooled blood creates a tangible mass, it’s described as a tumor-like swelling made up of blood. It’s not simply a blood clot inside a vessel (that would be a thrombus), and it isn’t pus-filled tissue from infection or a buildup of lymph.