What does the suffix '-ectomy' indicate?

The suffix '-ectomy' is derived from the Greek word 'ektome,' which means to cut out or remove. In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the surgical removal of a specific part of the body. For example, an appendectomy involves the surgical removal of the appendix, and a mastectomy is the removal of one or both breasts, typically due to cancer. The term encapsulates the essence of surgical procedures where something is excised or resected to treat a medical condition.

Understanding the meaning of 'ectomy' is crucial for analyzing various medical terms and their implications regarding surgical procedures. Other terms might relate to different aspects of medical diagnoses or studies, but '-ectomy' distinctly conveys the act of cutting out or removal.