A hematoma forms when blood collects outside of blood vessels, often due to an injury. This localized collection of blood can occur anywhere in the body. In some instances, the body’s natural healing process for a hematoma can lead to calcification.
Understanding Calcified Hematomas
Hematomas form after trauma or injury, as damaged blood vessels allow blood to leak into surrounding tissues. This pooled blood can cause swelling, pain, and bruising. Most minor hematomas are reabsorbed by the body over time, resolving without complications.
When a hematoma does not fully resolve, the body may initiate dystrophic calcification. This involves the deposition of calcium salts within the old blood clot or damaged tissue, leading to the hematoma hardening, often forming a firm lump. In muscles, this process is sometimes referred to as myositis ossificans, where bone-like tissue develops within the muscle fibers.
Potential Risks and Complications
While many calcified hematomas are harmless, some can cause problems. The risk depends on the hematoma’s size, location, and whether it is growing or pressing on adjacent structures.
A calcified hematoma can compress surrounding tissues, leading to various symptoms. If it presses on nerves, individuals might experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. When located within the skull, it can exert pressure on the brain, resulting in severe headaches, neurological issues like memory impairment or confusion, seizures, or changes in consciousness. Compression of other organs can also impair their normal function.
Beyond compression, calcified hematomas can cause chronic pain and restrict movement, especially if they form in or near joints or large muscle groups. In visible areas, they may cause cosmetic disfigurement due to the persistent hard lump. A calcified hematoma can be mistaken for a tumor, leading to diagnostic challenges. Surgical removal can be complex, particularly if they have adhered tightly to surrounding brain tissue or other delicate structures.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening pain associated with the hardened area. An increasing size of the lump or new swelling around it also warrants a visit to a healthcare provider.
Neurological symptoms are concerning, especially if the hematoma is located near the head or spine. These include:
Severe headaches
Vision changes
Slurred speech
Difficulty with balance
New weakness or numbness
Seizures
Unexplained confusion
Signs of infection also necessitate prompt medical review, such as:
Increased warmth
Redness
Pus draining from the area
Fever
If the hematoma resulted from significant trauma or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, medical consultation is advisable.
Management and Outlook
Diagnosing a calcified hematoma involves a physical examination, followed by imaging studies. Healthcare providers use X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound to visualize the calcified mass and determine its size, location, and impact on surrounding tissues.
Management approaches vary depending on the hematoma’s characteristics and the symptoms it causes. Small or asymptomatic calcified hematomas often require only observation. Pain management, often with over-the-counter medications, can help alleviate discomfort. Physical therapy, including manual techniques, ultrasound, and targeted exercises, may be recommended to improve mobility and reduce pain, particularly for those in muscles or joints. Surgical removal may be considered if the calcified hematoma causes significant symptoms, such as nerve compression, functional impairment, or growth. The outlook for calcified hematomas is favorable, with many resolving or being effectively managed through conservative or surgical means.