Pathologists use the word cribriform to describe cells that are growing and connecting together in a way that creates a pattern of small holes in between the cells. This pattern of growth can only be seen after the tissue sample is examined under the microscope.

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Cribriform is an abnormal pattern of growth that can be seen in many different types of tumours. For this reason, the word cribriform by itself is not a diagnosis. Pathologists use the cribriform pattern of growth along with other information about the tumour to make a diagnosis.

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Examples of tumours that can show a cribriform pattern of growth:

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• Adenoid cystic carcinoma

• Ductal carcinoma in situ

• Invasive ductal carcinoma

• Colonic adenocarcinoma

• Prostatic adenocarcinoma

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