Published Sep 8, 2007
Jedi of Zen
277 Posts
I realize that this is probably a very loaded question, but here goes -
Could anyone explain to me the difference between the following 3 terms: hematoma, hyperemia, hemangioma. Esp the first 2.
I have read the definitions in my books. I think I understand them to a certain extent, but I am kind of wanting to hear it put in layman's terms. Would esp like to hear from any graduates out there who have already worked with and seen these 3 conditions, and what causes them, etc. (Of course, all responses are welcome.)
Again - very loaded question, I realize. But if you submit an answer, I'll give you a cookie.
Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN
12,126 Posts
hematoma-- blood pooling under skin
hyperemia--eye redness
hemangioma--red birthmark
EricJRN, MSN, RN
1 Article; 6,683 Posts
Hyperemia is an increase in blood flow to a part of the body, where a hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin (as in an injury).
Neither of these should be confused with hyphema, which is a pooling of blood in the anterior chamber of an injured eye.
What's your source on that?
webmd.com
jmgrn65, RN
1,344 Posts
hyperemia describes the increase of blood flow to different tissues in the body. it can have medical implications, but is also a regulatory response, allowing change in blood supply to different tissues through vasodilation
a hemangioma is an abnormal build up of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.[1] it is also described as a congenital benign skin lesion consisting of dense, usually elevated masses of dilated blood vessels".
beth66335, BSN, RN
890 Posts
Everything you ever wanted to know about Hemangiomas; http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/Hemangioma.html
I see that the term "hyperemia" is used in webmd's section on pinkeye. However, I don't think hyperemia refers only to eye redness, does it?
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hyperemia&btnG=Google+Search
Try this link.
Not just the eyes. Also doesn't describe redness associated with factors other than increased blood flow.
Here's a link to an article that describes an example of abdominal hyperemia:
http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/255/5/G542