What is a collection of blood that develops in a wound during healing?

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels that occurs in a wound during the healing process. When blood vessels are damaged, blood leaks into surrounding tissues, leading to swelling and discoloration, which is commonly referred to as a bruise. Unlike other options, a hematoma specifically pertains to blood accumulation, making it crucial to recognize in post-operative care as it can affect healing and sometimes require drainage if it becomes significant in size or symptomatic.

In contrast, a seroma refers to a collection of clear serous fluid that can accumulate after surgery but does not involve blood. A hemangioma is a benign tumor composed of blood vessels, typically not related to acute wound healing processes. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system and is not related to blood collection in wounds. Each of these terms pertains to different medical phenomena, emphasizing the need for specificity in post-operative terminology.