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Disseminated Metastatic Cancer Confirmed by Histology, Cancer Tissue — Qualitative

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A pathology test that uses microscopic examination of cancer tissue to confirm whether metastatic cancer is present in a disseminated specimen.

Quick summary

["This test confirms metastatic cancer in tissue by microscopic examination."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
84890-3
Short code
Dist mets conf by histology Ca spec Ql
Synonyms
Dist mets conf by histology Ca spec Ql
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is a qualitative pathology test. A tissue specimen from a known or suspected cancer is examined under a microscope to determine whether metastatic cancer is present.

Why might I need this test?

It may be used when cancer has spread to another part of the body and the diagnosis must be confirmed by examining tissue rather than relying on imaging or blood tests alone.

How is the test performed?

A pathologist examines a prepared tissue sample under a microscope. The result reports whether metastatic cancer is identified in the specimen.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually required for the laboratory examination itself. The tissue sample must have been obtained through a biopsy or surgery, and you should follow your clinician's instructions about that procedure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive result means metastatic cancer was identified in the examined tissue. A negative result may mean that no metastatic cancer was found in that particular sample, but it does not by itself exclude cancer elsewhere or in unsampled areas.

Short name

Histologic Confirmation of Metastatic Cancer

Frequently asked questions

Does this result tell me which part of the body has cancer?
Not by itself. The result confirms whether metastatic cancer was found in the tissue examined; the specimen source and pathology report provide more details about its location.
Is this the same as a blood test for cancer?
No. This test examines cancer tissue obtained by biopsy or surgery, rather than measuring substances in blood.
Can a negative result mean I do not have cancer?
No. A negative result only applies to the tissue sample examined and does not rule out cancer in other tissues or areas that were not sampled.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy