What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you or your care team need to figure out where a tumor started, especially when there's a diagnosis of metastatic cancer of unclear origin. It's a specialized lab test (immunohistochemistry, or IHC) performed on tissue that helps distinguish cancers that started in the intestines from those that started in the lungs or breast. This test is typically ordered as a follow-up to a biopsy or surgical tissue sample, not as a routine screening test.

What's included in this test?

This test includes a single specialized stain called Villin, performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on a tissue sample, along with a written interpretation from a pathologist. Villin is a protein normally found in cells lining the intestines and kidneys, so its presence or absence in a tumor sample gives clues about where that tumor originated.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account along with an explanation of what the Villin stain pattern (positive or negative) means for tissue identification. Because this is a specialized pathology test, the next step is usually discussing the written interpretation with whoever is managing your care plan, since findings from this test are meant to work alongside other pathology results. The full lab report, including the pathologist's interpretation, can be downloaded directly from your account. You can also track this and any related results over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support digestive tissue health?

While this test itself is a diagnostic tool and not something lifestyle changes can affect, keeping your digestive system healthy overall is good practice. Eating a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, limiting processed foods, and avoiding excess alcohol can support healthy intestinal tissue. These habits won't change a pathology result, but they support your general gut health while you await or act on your results.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your tissue sample being processed at the lab. Specialized stains like Villin can sometimes take a little longer than routine blood work because they involve additional processing and a pathologist's careful review. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is most relevant for people who already have a tissue biopsy showing cancer cells and need more information about where the cancer originated. It's commonly used when someone has a diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma but the primary site (where it started) isn't clear from initial testing. It is not a general screening test and isn't used to detect cancer in someone without a prior biopsy finding.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

This test isn't ordered based on symptoms directly, but rather after imaging or a biopsy has already identified a tumor or suspicious mass. If you've experienced unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or a mass found on imaging, and a biopsy has been taken, this test may be a helpful next step. It's a follow-up diagnostic step, not a first-line symptom check.

What does a positive Villin result mean?

A positive Villin result means the tumor cells contain this protein, which is a strong clue that the cancer likely originated in the intestines (or in some cases, the kidneys, bladder, or ovaries). This helps narrow down where treatment should be focused, since intestinal-origin cancers are often treated differently than lung or breast cancers. It's one piece of a larger diagnostic picture, usually combined with other stains.

What does a negative Villin result mean?

A negative Villin result suggests the tumor cells are less likely to have started in the intestines and points investigators toward other possible origins, like the lungs or breast. A negative result doesn't rule out cancer — it simply helps narrow down the type and source of the cells being studied. This information is typically interpreted alongside other stains and imaging findings.

What should I do if my results are unclear or need more testing?

If your Villin result doesn't give a clear answer on its own, it's common for additional immunohistochemistry stains to be ordered on the same tissue sample to build a fuller picture. This is a normal part of the diagnostic process for complex cancer cases and doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong beyond what's already known. Keep your report handy, as it may be referenced alongside future test results.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Villin IHC Test - Identify Cancer Tissue Origin

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Villin IHC Tissue Test for Cancer Origin Identification

Villin, IHC with Interpretation

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Villin IHC Tissue Test for Cancer Origin Identification

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say