Final answer:
Tissue morcellation uses a tool called a morcellator during surgery to remove benign myomas by breaking them down into smaller pieces; however, for suspected malignancies, intact removal for biopsy is preferred to avoid spreading cancer cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tissue morcellation is a technique often used during laparoscopic or robotic surgeries to remove benign tumors such as myomas (fibroids). During this procedure, a specialized surgical instrument called a morcellator is commonly used. This tool helps to break down the myoma into smaller pieces so they can be easily extracted through the small incisions made during minimally invasive surgery. It's important to remember that morcellation has been under scrutiny due to the potential spread of undiagnosed malignant cells if the myoma happens to be cancerous. Therefore, in the case of known or suspected malignancy, morcellation is generally avoided. Instead, the tissue specimen would be removed intact and sent to a medical laboratory for a biopsy to diagnose cancer or other conditions.