Pathologists describe cells as “cribriform” when they grow and connect in a way that forms a pattern of small holes between the cells. This growth pattern, visible only under a microscope, appears in many types of tumors and is abnormal. However, the cribriform pattern itself is not a diagnosis. Instead, pathologists consider this pattern alongside other tumor information to reach a diagnosis.
Examples of tumours that can show a cribriform pattern of growth:
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Ductal carcinoma in situ
- Invasive ductal carcinoma
- Colonic adenocarcinoma
- Prostatic adenocarcinoma
About this article
This article was written by doctors to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.
Other helpful resources
Atlas of pathology
Our work is generously supported by:
