Final answer:
The suffix 'oma' signifies a tumor, which is a mass or growth of abnormal cells. It is commonly used in medical terminology related to both benign and malignant tumors, including various forms of cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffix oma refers to a tumor. This suffix is often used in medical terminology to denote abnormal growths and masses, which can be benign or malignant. For instance, a lipoma is a benign tumor of fatty tissue, while a glioma is a tumor that arises from glial cells in the brain or spine.
In the context of cancer, the term carcinoma refers to a malignant tumor that starts in skin or tissue cells that line or cover internal organs. Malignant tumor or medical term for cancer is also known as malignant neoplasm, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion, and sometimes metastasis. So when discussing abnormalities such as cancer, the focus is often on the proteins and cell behavior associated with the disease, further emphasizing the importance of understanding such medical terminologies.