Final answer:
The correct answer is c. biopsy, which is the removal of tissue for examination by a pathologist to diagnose diseases like cancer through microscopic analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The removal of a sample of tissue for a pathological diagnosis is known as a biopsy. During a biopsy, a pathologist examines the tissue sample microscopically to diagnose diseases, such as cancer. Cancer classifications are based on the originating tissue, such as carcinoma, which can be further distinguished by cell size and shape, leading to specific prognoses and treatments.
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a lump from the breast, often performed when cancer is present. A wedge resection is a surgical procedure where a triangular slice of tissue, often from the lung, is removed. The term specimen refers to any sample taken for diagnostic testing, but doesn't specify the act of removal.