What procedure refers to the removal of a sample of tissue for diagnostic purposes?

The procedure that refers to the removal of a sample of tissue for diagnostic purposes is a biopsy. A biopsy is conducted to examine the tissue under a microscope to determine the presence of cancer or other diseases. This diagnostic method is critical for confirming diagnoses, understanding the nature of a disease, and informing treatment decisions.

In various types of biopsies, a small piece of tissue is obtained from a specific area of concern, often seen in imaging studies or physical examinations. This sample can be obtained in several ways, such as by needle (needle biopsy), surgical excision (excisional biopsy), or through endoscopic means. The key point is that a biopsy specifically targets the removal of tissue for analysis, distinguishing it from other procedures.

Aspiration typically involves using a needle to withdraw fluid or cells, which may not provide the structural context needed for a diagnosis that a solid tissue sample would. Excision usually implies the complete removal of a lesion or tissue rather than just a sample for diagnostic purposes, whereas incision is related to making a cut into the skin or other tissues but does not specifically denote the removal of tissue for diagnosis. Therefore, a biopsy is the accurate term for the procedure focused on tissue sampling for diagnostic investigations.