What is indicated by the suffix "-oma"?

The suffix "-oma" is used in medical terminology to indicate a mass or tumor. When this suffix is appended to the root of a word, it forms a term that typically describes an abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). For instance, "carcinoma" refers to a cancerous tumor arising from epithelial tissue, whereas "lipoma" denotes a benign tumor composed of fat tissue. The focus on "-oma" as indicating a mass or tumor highlights its relevance in diagnosing and categorizing various types of neoplasms in medical practice. Understanding this suffix is crucial for recognizing and interpreting medical terms relating to tumors, which are prevalent across various medical fields.