Medical Suffixes Overview

Introduction

• Medical words typically comprise a prefix, root, and suffix.
  • Prefix: Descriptive part - indicates characteristics (color, size, etc.).
  • Root: Subject of the term - often a body part or system.
  • Suffix: Brings meaning (procedure, condition, etc.).
  • Some words lack a prefix; the root then starts the word.

Suffixes Related to Procedures

• -ostomy: Surgical creation of an opening.
  • Example: Colostomy - New opening for the colon.
• -otomy: Incision or cutting into.
  • Example: Laparotomy - Incision into the abdominal cavity.
• -ectomy: Surgical removal or excision.
  • Example: Nephrectomy - Removal of a kidney.
• -oscopy: Examination or viewing with a scope.
  • Examples: Cystoscopy (bladder), Colonoscopy (colon).
• -centesis: Puncture or aspiration.
  • Examples: Pericardiocentesis (heart), Thoracentesis (chest).
• -plasty: Repair, restoration, or replacement.
  • Example: Rhinoplasty - Nose surgery.
• -tripsy: Crushing.
  • Example: Lithotripsy - Crushing of a stone.
• -desis: Binding or fusing together.
  • Example: Pleurodesis - Fusing of pleura layers.
• -scope: Instrument used for viewing.
  • Examples: Otoscope (ear), Ophthalmoscope (eye).
• -opsy: Examination or inspection.
  • Examples: Biopsy, Autopsy.

Suffixes Pertaining to Tests

• -gram: Record or picture.
  • Example: Electrocardiogram - Recording of heart's electrical activity.
• -graph: Instrument to record.
  • Example: Electrocardiograph - Machine for ECG.
• -graphy: Process of recording.
  • Example: Electrocardiography - Process of recording heart activity.

Suffixes Related to Signs and Symptoms

• -itis: Inflammation.
  • Example: Arthritis - Inflammation of joints.
• -paresis: Weakness.
  • Example: Hemiparesis - Weakness on one side.
• -plegia: Paralysis.
  • Example: Quadriplegia - Paralysis of four limbs.
• -rrhea: Discharge or flow.
  • Example: Rhinorrhea - Runny nose.
• -edema: Swelling.
  • Example: Blepharoedema - Swelling of eyelid.
• -odynia: Pain or discomfort.
  • Example: Osteodynia - Bone pain.
• -spasm: Sudden muscle contraction.
  • Example: Vasospasm - Blood vessel constriction.
• -rrhagia/-rrhage: Excessive flow.
  • Example: Hemorrhage - Heavy blood discharge.
• -algia: Pain.
  • Example: Cephalalgia - Headache.

Common Descriptive Suffixes

• -megaly: Enlargement.
  • Examples: Hepatomegaly (liver), Cardiomegaly (heart).
• -icle: Small.
  • Example: Denticle - Small tooth.
• -constriction: Narrowing.
  • Example: Vasoconstriction - Blood vessel narrowing.
• -dilation: Expanding.
  • Example: Vasodilation - Blood vessel widening.
• -eurysm: Expand or widen.
  • Example: Aneurysm - Blood vessel ballooning.
• -genesis: Development or production.
  • Example: Neurogenesis - Neuron development.
• -stasis: Stoppage or slowdown.
  • Example: Hemostasis - Stoppage of bleeding.

General Suffixes

• -cele: Hernia.
  • Example: Gastrocele - Stomach hernia.
• -genic: Caused by or produced by.
  • Example: Cardiogenic - Originating in the heart.
• -ism: Condition or disease.
  • Example: Hyperthyroidism - Overactive thyroid condition.
• -ologist: Specialist.
  • Example: Pulmonologist - Lung specialist.
• -ology: Study of.
  • Example: Pulmonology - Study of the lungs.
• -oma: Tumor or growth.
  • Example: Melanoma.
• -pathy: Disease.
  • Example: Cardiomyopathy.
• -osis: Condition.
  • Example: Tuberculosis.
• -penia: Deficiency.
  • Example: Pancytopenia.
• -pnea: Breathing.
  • Example: Tachypnea - Rapid breathing.
• -emia: Blood condition.
  • Example: Anemia - Red blood cell deficiency.

Conclusion

• Understanding medical suffixes aids in deciphering medical terminology.
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