What does the suffix “-oma” denote in medical terminology?

The suffix “-oma” is used in medical terminology to denote a tumor. This term originates from Greek and is commonly found in the names of various tumors, indicating an abnormal growth of tissue. For example, a "lipoma" refers to a tumor composed of fat tissue, and a "melanoma" refers to a tumor of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment in the skin.

This suffix is fundamental in the classification and identification of types of tumors, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Understanding this terminology is crucial for healthcare professionals as they need to accurately interpret and communicate diagnoses related to tumor development, effects, and treatment protocols.

The other choices, while relevant to medical terminology, relate to different conditions and processes, such as inflammation or infection, which are indicated by other suffixes or prefixes in medical language.