Which suffix denotes tumors and other abnormal growths?

• A. -spasm
• B. -ology
• C. -oma
• D. -sarcoma

Answer: (C)

The suffix -oma denotes tumors and abnormal growths. It comes from a Greek root meaning swelling or tumor and is added to many word roots to form terms like lipoma (fat tumor), adenoma (gland tumor), and melanoma (pigmented tumor). This general suffix is used for a variety of growths, benign or malignant, which is why it’s the best fit for “tumors and other abnormal growths.” Other suffixes here have different meanings: -spasm is a sudden muscle contraction, -ology means the study of something, and -sarcoma refers to a specific type of malignant tumor of connective tissue rather than a broad suffix for growths.