What does a suffix ending in 'itis' generally indicate?

A suffix ending in 'itis' is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. This inflammation can often be accompanied by infection, but it also represents the body's immune response to injury or irritation. The presence of 'itis' in a word signifies that the tissue involved is inflamed, which can lead to swelling, redness, warmth, pain, and sometimes loss of function.

For example, appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, while arthritis indicates inflammation of the joints. This understanding is essential for recognizing various medical conditions and their potential implications for patient care.

The other options, while they describe important medical concepts, do not accurately reflect the meaning associated with the '-itis' suffix, which is specifically linked to inflammation rather than cancer, chronic conditions, or hormonal imbalances.