The procedure of removing tissue from a living patient for diagnosis via microscopic examination is known as?

The procedure of removing tissue from a living patient for diagnosis through microscopic examination is known as a biopsy. This process is critical in oncology, as it allows for the examination of cells and the determination of whether they are cancerous or benign. A biopsy can provide essential information regarding the type of cancer, its grade, and the extent to which it has spread, all of which are important for making treatment decisions.

Regarding the other choices, otoscopy refers to the examination of the ear using an otoscope, which is not related to tissue sampling. Necropsy is the examination of a deceased individual, typically used to determine the cause of death, and does not involve living patients or the diagnostic process for active disease. Endoscopy involves the inspection of internal organs using a flexible tube with a camera but does not specifically focus on the removal of tissue for examination.