What does the suffix "-oma" indicate within medical terminology?

The suffix "-oma" in medical terminology specifically indicates a tumor. This suffix is often used to denote abnormal growths of tissue, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). For instance, "lipoma" refers to a benign tumor made of fat tissue, while "melanoma" refers to a malignant tumor arising from melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. Understanding the meaning of this suffix helps in recognizing and interpreting a wide range of medical terms, particularly those related to oncology (the study of tumors).