What is the correct term for removing a section of tissue for pathological analysis?

The correct term for removing a section of tissue for pathological analysis is "biopsy." This procedure is performed to obtain a sample of tissue that can be examined microscopically to diagnose diseases, including cancer. By analyzing the cellular structure and composition of the tissue, healthcare professionals can identify abnormalities and make informed decisions regarding treatment.

In contrast, alveoplasty refers to the surgical reshaping of the alveolar ridge in the jawbone, often to prepare for dentures. Cyst removal involves excising a cyst but does not necessarily imply tissue analysis for diagnostic purposes. A frenectomy is a procedure that involves cutting the frenum, which is tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gums, typically aimed at improving mobility or correcting ankyloglossia (tongue tie), rather than assessing tissue for disease. Each of these procedures serves specific purposes in dental care but does not encompass the primary diagnostic aim of a biopsy.