A histologic tissue sample support device (200) includes a tissue cassette (112), a frame (14), and a lid (118"). The tissue cassette (112) has a recess (112b) including a body (112a) with at least one side wall and a bottom wall (112c) and is formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. The tissue cassette (112) is movably coupled to the frame (14). The lid (118") is separably coupled to a peripheral portion (16) of the frame (14). When the lid (118") is separated from the peripheral portion (16), the lid (118") and the tissue cassette (112) are capable of moving from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame (14), and in the second position the bottom wall (112c) and at least a portion of the side wall extend beyond a bottom edge of the frame (14) for sectioning in the microtome.