What does '-stenosis' refer to in medical terms?

The term '-stenosis' refers specifically to the constriction or narrowing of a passage or tube in the body, such as blood vessels or other hollow organs. This narrowing can lead to various medical conditions depending on the location and severity of the stenosis. For instance, in cardiovascular medicine, artery stenosis can restrict blood flow, leading to potential complications like ischemia.

Understanding this term is crucial for professionals in the oncology field, as certain types of stenosis, like esophageal or biliary stenosis, can impact treatment approaches or patient management during cancer therapy. The other terms provided in the options do not accurately capture this definition. Inflammation refers to a different type of reaction, rupture implies a complete break rather than narrowing, and dilation indicates the enlargement of a vessel rather than constriction.