Two weeks after having a sclerotherapy treatment, a lump developed under the skin. It is slightly red and sore to the touch. There's also bruising around the treated area. Could this be trapped blood?
Yes, the lump that has formed under your skin may be trapped blood. A quick ultrasound would answer that question and provide the doctor with the information he needs to outline the appropriate form of therapy based on your individual needs. If there is trapped blood, it could then be easily removed via ultrasound guidance.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Based on what you describe, it definitely sounds like it could be trapped blood. However, when done correctly, sclerotherapy rarely generates trapped blood unless the vein being treated is really large. Such could also occur if the person treating you did not address the reticular veins feeding into the vein(s) that now have the redness and soreness. If you fail to treat the primary veins feeding into a spider vein, trapped blood can result.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, it is very likely.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, most likely it is that. Your treating physician should be following it and aspirating the trapped blood.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Most of the time that is trapped blood. If it is big enough and continues to hurt, then your doctor would make an incision and drain some of that trapped blood in order to help the healing process along.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You are correct; the vein is thicker and the blood is beginning to liquefy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, the lump that has formed under your skin after sclerotherapy could be trapped blood. It is best to follow up with your doctor to check.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, it could be trapped blood. See your MD.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It does not sound like trapped blood. Instead, the area may scab over.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is quite normal to have a "lump" under the skin just exactly 2 weeks after sclerotherapy. It is the treated vein that now is closed. This is a good sign and indicates that the treatment is working as predicted. Use anti-inflamatories if the area is tender; otherwise, you will be just fine. It will resolve on its own in 2-3 more weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It could certainly be trapped blood and given your description, that may be the most likely explanation. Fortunately, it is a pretty straightforward diagnosis with good ultrasound. If it is trapped blood, it can usually be treated easily by aspirating the blood through a hypodermic needle after placing a little numbing medicine. The segment may be treated with foam sclerotherapy to help it close. Usually, relief of discomfort is almost immediate, although you may have a little tenderness that lasts a day or two.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It certainly could be trapped blood, or it could be the treated vein that has clotted. It may also be a hematoma (when blood escapes the vein and collects in the tissue). I would apply warm compresses and follow up with your treating physician if there is no improvement, or if the problem has worsened.
Published on Jul 11, 2012