What does the suffix oma meaan?

The suffix "-oma" typically indicates a tumor or swelling. It's often used in medical terminology to describe growths, whether benign or malignant, in various parts of the body.

Here are some examples:

* Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat cells.

* Myeloma: A type of cancer that affects plasma cells in bone marrow.

* Melanoma: A type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes.

* Hematoma: A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually caused by an injury.

However, it's important to note that "-oma" isn't always indicative of a tumor. Sometimes, it might be used to describe a non-tumorous swelling or abnormal accumulation of tissue.

For example, edema describes swelling caused by fluid buildup in tissues.

Therefore, the exact meaning of "-oma" can vary depending on the context. It's best to refer to a medical dictionary or consult a healthcare professional for a more precise understanding of a specific term.