Which suffix is used to denote a tumor or mass in medical terminology?

The suffix that denotes a tumor or mass in medical terminology is "oma." This term is frequently used in various medical contexts to indicate the presence of a tumor, and it can refer to both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) growths. For example, "melanoma" refers to a tumor of melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment in the skin. The clarity of this suffix allows healthcare providers to communicate effectively about different types of tumors, assisting in diagnosis, treatment, and medical documentation. It plays a crucial role in understanding the nature of various neoplasms in medical practice.

Other suffixes like "itis," which refers to inflammation, and "ectomy," which denotes surgical removal of a structure, serve different purposes in medical terminology. Similarly, "pathy" is used to indicate disease or disorder. Understanding these distinctions is important for accurate medical communication and documentation.