Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to Call a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to Call a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Bruises are generally flat and tender to the touch, whereas hematomas can be raised, hard, and painful. Although not cancerous, a hematoma could possibly be alarming to feel, as it may feel like a lump in the breast.
This article will review the symptoms associated with a breast bruise or hematoma, as well as how they are diagnosed and treated.
Hematomas, which are larger bleeds, can cause a hard and tender mass. The pooled blood may cause inflammation and swelling. The skin above a hematoma can appear to be bruised and, in the case of surgery, broken.
When feeling a hematoma, it may feel like a firm lump beneath the skin. That can be frightening if you’re familiar with the commonsymptoms of breast cancer.
Most hematomas are small (about the size of a grain of rice), but some can be as big as plums or even a grapefruit.
BSIP / Getty Images
Injury
Surgery
Any type of surgery on the breast can damage blood vessels and cause a bleed. These procedures include:
Biopsy
Breast biopsy, a procedure in which a sample of breast tissue is obtained surgically to determine if cancer is present or not, can sometime cause bleeding and bruising.
Certain types of breast biopsies can cause a hematoma. Although the risk is low, a common complication of a core-needle breast biopsy is hematoma formation.This risk can increase with a vacuum-assisted procedure.
Breastfeeding
Medications
Those on aspirin or blood thinners, such aswarfarin, Eliquis (apixaban), or Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are at particular risk for bruising or hematomas.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Although rare, skin changes on the breast that look like bruising could be a sign ofinflammatory breast cancer. This fast-growing cancer can cause the affected breast to become swollen, red, and tender. The skin may also appear pink or reddish purple.
Bruising can be diagnosed on a physical exam, simply based on its appearance. Larger hematomas are usually visible on amammogramand can sometimes look suspicious on other imaging as well. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to diagnose a hematoma.
Mammogram
A small hematoma probably won’t be seen on amammogram. However, if the hematoma is large enough to be seen, it will usually appear as a well-defined oval mass. If it resolves on its own, it won’t appear on your next mammogram.
Spots on mammograms that are more suspicious for cancer appear with a spiky outline. Hematomas may have some suspicious-appearing features due to scarring or how the hematoma affected the breast tissue.
Hematomas often leave behindcalcifications(calcium deposits) as well, but these are large in contrast to themicrocalcificationson a mammogram that raise suspicion of possible cancer.
Ultrasound
Hematomas are also found along withseromas, pockets of fluid in the breast that frequently occur after breast surgery. Abreast ultrasoundis often the best test for evaluating a possible seroma.It can provide detailed, high-contrast images that help healthcare providers determine if a lump is solid or fluid-filled.
In the case of a questionable breast mass, such as a hematoma that caused scar tissue and resembles a tumor, an ultrasound after an abnormal mammogram can detect if it is a hematoma. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed if the imaging continues to look suspicious. The pathology report can tell you whether the mass is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
While breast hematomas can leave behind scarring that sometimes mimics breast cancer, they do not increase the chance that a person will develop breast cancer in the future.
For mild bruises or hematomas, no specific treatment may be needed. The body will absorb the blood, and they will eventually go away on their own.
However, there are things you can do to help speed the healing process along. To reduce swelling and pain associated with an injury, try following theRICE protocol(rest,ice, compression, and elevation):
After one or two days, try applying a heating pad or warm compress to the affected area. This can help the blood reabsorb.
If you’re looking to relieve pain associated with a bruise or a hematoma, opt forTylenol(acetaminophen)rather than an NSAID likeAdvil (ibuprofen). NSAIDs thin the blood, which can make your condition worse.
Most bruises fade within two weeks, however, some can remain visible for months.A breast hematoma may last around four to six weeks, sometimes longer.
Larger or deeper breast hematomas may require embolization, which is a procedure that blocks or closes the blood vessel. In some cases, it is possible for a breast hematoma to spontaneously recur, particularly if you’re taking blood thinners.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Most mild bruises and hematomas resolve spontaneously. However, larger or deeper hematomas can be problematic and may require medical attention.
Reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience:
Summary
A hematoma may show up on breast imaging, and it may need a biopsy if it appears abnormal in any way. A hematoma is not cancer, and many times no specific treatment is needed.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe signs are the same as any breast hematoma. But if a lump and swelling are present along with breast pain, firmness, and tightness, be sure to mention these symptoms to your healthcare provider. You may havecapsular contracture(the formation of scar tissue that can change the shape of the breast) in addition to a hematoma.While a hemotoma is a collection of blood, a seroma is a collection of clear bodily fluids.Carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medication use (some drugs can increase risk) and wearing a compression garment.Do not press on or bump the area, and apply a warm compress two to three times a day.This can be a sign of infection. Call your healthcare provider if you notice this, if the skin looks red, or if you develop a fever of 101 degrees or higher.
The signs are the same as any breast hematoma. But if a lump and swelling are present along with breast pain, firmness, and tightness, be sure to mention these symptoms to your healthcare provider. You may havecapsular contracture(the formation of scar tissue that can change the shape of the breast) in addition to a hematoma.
While a hemotoma is a collection of blood, a seroma is a collection of clear bodily fluids.
Carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medication use (some drugs can increase risk) and wearing a compression garment.Do not press on or bump the area, and apply a warm compress two to three times a day.
This can be a sign of infection. Call your healthcare provider if you notice this, if the skin looks red, or if you develop a fever of 101 degrees or higher.
14 Sources
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