What does the suffix "-oma" represent?

The suffix "-oma" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a tumor or mass. When attached to a word root, it indicates the presence of an abnormal growth, often benign or malignant, that can arise from various types of tissue. For instance, an "adenoma" refers to a tumor originating from glandular tissue, while "melanoma" indicates a type of cancer arising from melanocytes. Understanding this suffix is vital in the medical field as it helps identify the nature of various growths or masses encountered in clinical practice.

In contrast, the other options represent different meanings that do not align with the specific definition of "-oma." For example, fluid-filled sacs are typically referred to as "cysts," while infections or inflammatory conditions would use suffixes like "-itis" to indicate inflammation. The term for growth or development typically involves suffixes like "-plasia" or "-trophy." Thus, the identification of "-oma" with tumors or masses is a key aspect of understanding medical terminology.