What terminology would be used to describe an increase in abnormal tissue growth?

The term that describes an increase in abnormal tissue growth is "-oma." This suffix is used in medical terminology to refer to tumors or neoplasms, which can be benign or malignant. When a tissue grows abnormally—whether it's a solid mass or an excess of cells—the term employed often involves the suffix "-oma." For instance, a lipoma indicates a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue, while a carcinoma refers to a malignant tumor originating in epithelial tissue. This terminology effectively communicates the nature of the growth, highlighting the abnormal proliferation of cells.

The other options represent different medical concepts. For instance, "-itis" refers to inflammation of a tissue or organ, indicating a response to injury or infection rather than a growth. "-ectomy" denotes the surgical removal of a tissue or organ, which is not related to the process of tissue growth. Lastly, "-sclerosis" refers to the hardening of a tissue, often due to disease, rather than its growth. Understanding the specific meanings of these suffixes helps clarify their distinctions in medical terminology.