A tissue cassette for use during histological examination of tissue preferably comprises a receptale and a lid. The lid is preferably pivotally attached to the receptacle about a pivot axis. The cavity preferably has a maximum width measurable anywhere parallel to the pivot axis that is greater than its maximum length measurable in any plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The lid preferably has a maximum width measurable anywhere parallel to the pivot axis that is greater than its length measurable in a plane that bisects the maximum width of the lid and is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The cassette, with its lid closed against the receptacle, preferably has a maximum width measurable anywhere parallel to the pivot axis that is less than the maximum length of the cassette measurable in any plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. Also, a method for using two histological specimen cassettes is disclosed.