Which suffix indicates a tumor or swelling?

Study for the Vituity Medical Scribe Pre-Classroom Training Exam. Enhance your medical scribing skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The suffix that indicates a tumor or swelling is -oma. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "oma," which means swelling or tumor. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe an abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). For example, terms like "carcinoma" (a type of cancer) and "lipoma" (a benign tumor made of fat cells) illustrate how this suffix is applied in the medical field to denote tumors.

Other suffixes, such as -plasm, refer to a formative material or organic structure, without specifically indicating a tumor. -osis generally denotes a condition or disease, while -sarcoma specifically refers to a malignant tumor of connective or supportive tissues. Each of these suffixes has its particular meaning and application in medical terminology, but -oma is distinctly recognized for its association with tumors or swellings.

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