The prefix ONC/O denotes which of the following?

The prefix ONC/O denotes which of the following?

• A. Tumor
• B. Cancer
• C. Lesion
• D. Carcinogen

Answer: (A)

Onc/o is a combining form from the Greek ónkos meaning swelling or mass, used to name tumors. It signals a relation to a tumor or neoplasm, as seen in oncology (study of tumors), oncologist (doctor who treats tumors), and oncogenic (causing tumor formation). This makes it specific to tumor presence, rather than cancer as a broad disease category or a cancer-causing substance. In contrast, carcin/o relates to cancer itself, and carcinogen refers to something that causes cancer, while a lesion is any abnormal tissue change. So the prefix ONC/O denotes a tumor.

Onc/o is a combining form from the Greek ónkos meaning swelling or mass, used to name tumors. It signals a relation to a tumor or neoplasm, as seen in oncology (study of tumors), oncologist (doctor who treats tumors), and oncogenic (causing tumor formation). This makes it specific to tumor presence, rather than cancer as a broad disease category or a cancer-causing substance. In contrast, carcin/o relates to cancer itself, and carcinogen refers to something that causes cancer, while a lesion is any abnormal tissue change. So the prefix ONC/O denotes a tumor.