Which procedure involves removing and examining tissue to distinguish malignant from non-malignant lesions?

The procedure that involves removing and examining tissue to distinguish malignant from non-malignant lesions is a biopsy. A biopsy entails the extraction of a small sample of tissue from a specific area of concern. This tissue is then subjected to histopathological analysis, allowing pathologists to determine the nature of the tissue, whether it is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

In clinical practice, a biopsy is a critical tool for diagnosing various conditions, especially tumors, as it provides definitive information about the cellular makeup of the lesion. Different types of biopsies can be performed, including excisional, incisional, and needle biopsies, depending on the nature of the lesion and the location of the tissue to be sampled.

Other procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds are valuable imaging techniques that help in identifying abnormalities but do not provide histological information about the tissue itself. They may suggest the presence of a lesion or tumor, guide treatment decisions, or monitor the progression of disease but cannot confirm malignancy without a biopsy. Thus, the significance of a biopsy lies in its capability to offer a definitive diagnosis by enabling the evaluation of microscopic features of the tissue.