Cribriform: Definition

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